spring morning on the X5

This brought back to me the experience of riding double-decker country buses in Norfolk in the 1970s and 80s. Boughs scraping the roof, the light constantly changing, tremendous views of all the unique villages and towns. I think they're all single-deckers now, though.

One of the best trips I've taken in my life was a local bus between Norwich and Ipswich. It stopped everywhere, and each stop was different from everywhere else.

Ah yes, I went on a similar double-decker bus ride only last week, hurtling dangerously along the narrow country lanes and being bounced around worse than on a fairground dipper. This, however, is the single-decker X5 express, which is so smooth that you fall asleep.

Dear Stagecoach,

I would like to let you know how much I hate travelling on your X5 express coach from Oxford, due to the HORRIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS. It's such a relief to get out at St Neots and continue my journey on the local 66 bus, which has normal seats. But the return journey in the evening just about finishes me off.

The X5 has squishy seats that SINK DOWN to a hard base, and this sets off my dystonic jerks, which is no fun when squashed into a cramped space for three hours.

The only reason I use your coach is because it's free (disabled bus pass) and the only way I can get to Huntingdon and back in one day. I would rather go by local bus if I had the choice.

Yours faithfully
Disabled Bus Passenger