HAVING read the plea for more people to share the Exeter Express bus service in last week's edition, I wondered whether my recent conversion to public transport might encourage others to give it a try.
Having run a company car for 12 years I paid little attention to the costs and hassles of motoring. I could not be prised from behind the wheel of my car, public transport was just a bad memory from my days as a student, uncomfortable, dirty and smelly. But, my job finished and I had to give up my company car.
I live in a rural area and having to pay for my own car and fuel was now a grim reality. I suddenly had to wake up and 'smell the coffee'.
Through gritted teeth and with the sympathetic murmurs from friends (who thought I was very brave) still ringing in my ears I boarded the bus to Exeter from Hatherleigh and was totally amazed! The bus was comfortable, clean and warm and although the journey took slightly longer than it would have done by car if was wonderful just to sit back and relax without the stress of being behind the wheel oneself.
I have since used the service quite a lot and look forward to each journey during which I can appreciate the scenery, doze off, or read a book which I would never normally set the time aside to do.
Of course, I still have to undertake journeys by car if there is no bus to my destination or the timetable is not compatible with my personal agenda, but the fewer these days the better.
I believe it requires a different mind-set to switch from being independent to suddenly having to fit in with someone else's timetable, but my contention is that if I can do it anyone can.
Jan Richards
Lower Odham Farm
Highampton