Now, let’s talk about public holidays. Oh, joy. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the ticket office is closed tighter than a miser’s wallet. You’ll find a sign that says “Happy Holidays” taped to the glass, mocking you.
Boxing Day? Reduced hours, usually starting at 9:00 AM and ending by 4:00 PM. It’s like the office is hungover from too much festive cheer.
And Easter weekend? Expect chaos. One year, I went on Good Friday and the whole place was shut. I had to buy a ticket from a vending machine that spat out three tickets for a bus that didn’t exist. True story. (Okay, slightly exaggerated, but you get the mood.)
The Vending Machine Conspiracy
You might be thinking, “Just use the self-service machines!” Sure, they exist. They’re located right next to the ticket office, glowing like alien pods.
But here’s the problem: the machines only take coins and cards, and they have the personality of a grumpy robot that dreams of retirement. I once tried to buy a ticket to Edinburgh, and it demanded I confirm my destination six times. “Are you sure? Really sure? Last chance!”
So, the ticket office remains your best bet for human contact and actual help. The staff can book you on weird routes, sell you a disabled access ticket, or explain why your bus is delayed by “a bird on the line.” Yes, that’s a real excuse they used once.
