"Buses used to have two doors: one to get on, one to exit. I think they got rid of them because:
a) they had to comply with disability legislation and have a flat, no step, hydraulically lowered entrance, plus provide a wheelchair space where the exit door used to be.
b) fare dodgers used to get on at the exit doors on busy buses, necessitating conductors who cost money."
Well, on a) - I didn't realise that in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland etc there were major issues for the disabled whenever they need to get on or off buses... Guess it's a similar concept to the idea that bus stop bypasses will mean blind people and the elderly can never venture outside!
b) is understandable, but I'm still a firm believer in the notion that people are more likely to buy tickets if you make it easier for them. Prepaid tickets that you validate, and the ability to buy before getting on the bus without having to buy £10 worth, would make it easier. Also never quite followed the logic behind having the ticket inspectors getting on the bus as they do now, when you need to pass the driver to get on anyway.
I was almost stuck on the bus yesterday when I wanted to get off - having been sat above the rear wheel arch, there was a wheelchair in its bay and a buggy (*heavily armoured pram by the looks of it - whatever happened to strollers?) in its bay, and a full bus of standing passengers. After several polite "excuse mes", the incoming passengers were getting on and I was still stuck at the back of the bus with nobody moving (or having anywhere to move to).
General decency in that situation would suggest getting off to get out of the way, then stepping back on. Guessing people are afraid to be told to buy another ticket because they got off?! Same issue in London on the DLR/tube when people insist on standing in the doorway whilst everyone is getting on and off...
Damn, this has got me in a bus rage!