departabus

As we are currently without a car, Anniemay has arranged to meet her friend Anthea in Central Milton Keynes, by catching a bus.

I can't remember either of us catching a bus into CMK in all the years we've been here.  Park and Rides in Oxford and Cambridge don't seem to count.

Anthea - who is a seasoned bus traveller - sends instructions; "don't forget to stick your hand out when you want it to stop"  and "don't forget to press the red bell when you want it to stop."   Finally, "you'll need bus No1 for the city centre". 

We are momentarily confused by these instructions; the first two appearing to be the same.  Not so; she means put your hand out when you want to get on the bus. And press the red bell when you want to get off.

The confusion continues, because it turns out to be bus No2 for the city centre. And the sticking your hand out bit is redundant; the bus starts and finishes in the town.  

Having been assured by a couple of people waiting - and the driver - that this is indeed the right bus, she gets on.

She gives me a look which seems to say "I hope I see you again...."

Luckily we both have bus passes and decide we should make the journey to CMK by bus more often. Especially as Milton Keynes Council has decided to stop free parking for electric vehicles.  Another green promise broken.

And now I wait for the adventurer to return.