But the area of conflict hasn't been removed, if the driver cannot accept cash many people expect (or even demand) a free ride, if anything the job has become more stressful since cash fares were abolished.
And I've never understood the pay difference between bus and tube drivers either!
Not surprised to hear the job has become more stressful since cash fares were abolished, an indefensible policy IMO.
The pay differential has always been there. I'm afraid it is just a fact of life that the job of tube driver will always be more prized because there's a lot more to learn than from being a bus driver, given that most bus drivers had some car driving experience beforehand and the novice tubedriver is starting from scratch. You don't want tube drivers just spending six months in the job before jacking it in because the pay wasn't worth it: of course, you don't want it in the bus industry either, but there you can always move company or change area.
Other reasons for the differential are
(a) The power of the rail unions as against TGWU etc. The disastrous London bus strike of 1958 is not forgotten by those either old enough to remember it or those with an interest in transport history
(b) So many different bus companies in London now compared with one L.T.E. and with the threat from management that if costs are not held down then the contract for a particular route may be awarded to another firm (sometimes with the same drivers!) so 'divide and rule'
It will be interesting to see how much tube drivers will get offered to run all-night services when they come.
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In above, read Unite for TGWU - old habits die hard!
