Stop the bus?

There is a nasty myth that Scotsmen are tight [with money].  

You’ve probably heard the yarns: copper wire was invented by two Aberdonians fighting over a penny; Jock McTavish dropped a 20p, bent down to pick it up and it hit him on the back of the head. And so on.

I am Scottish. And while I wouldn’t consider myself a tight-arse with cash, I do like a bargain.

Whenever I travel north from London (where I work) to Glasgow or Manchester I fly or take the train. But unless you book years in advance, both can be pricey excursions.

However, this week I was lured by an £8 National Express bus fare from London Victoria to Manchester, saving about £100 on the cheapest available air and rail fare.

Incredible. Right? Well, yes and no. For pure price, the inter city bus can’t be beaten. But I’m struggling to think of a more disappointing and incomfortable travel experience.

The five-hour journey (which would have been two-and-a-half hours on the train) was arduous. There was just enough room to read a tabloid newspaper. But no room for a laptop (or a power point in which to plug one) ruling out as a modern day business travel option.

Even in these tough economic times I can’t envisage any company encouraging its staff to travel by bus. It’s just too bloody time consuming, no matter how cheap the fare.

I have the return journey in a few days. I’m not looking forward to it. But I think it will be the last time.