Why the Knight Bus?

[conquistas2000]

No: HPFGUIDX 45753

Susan Miller wrote:
I don't understand the WW appeal of the Knight Bus. Other than a plot 
device, what is the purpose?
 
Presumably, all adult wizards can apparate.

<Snip>

And it would seem to me that apparating to a destination would be
quicker than going by bus. Otherwise, there is Floo powder,
broomsticks, and even magic motorcycles, not to mention the train.

<Snip>

What service does it provide that cannot be got cheaper, easier, (and
safer!) another way? Any ideas?

Conquistas:
I assume that the Knight bus service the same clientele that muggle
buses services, mainly the poor.  In big cities, its usually only the
poor that take the bus, because other modes of transporation is just
more expensive.  But some do take it out of convience, especialy in
big cities where parking can be a problem.

Apperate.  Well, you'll need to pass a test and get a license to
apperate.  Thus, its possible for there to be wizards/witches who
cannot pass the test, or have a suspended license.

Floo powder needs a both ends to have a fireplace, in addition to
having the fireplace connected to the Floo Network.  (Is there a
maintaince fee for the Floo link?)  Plus, its not certain how much
Floo powder costs.  What if the destination doesn't have a fireplace?

Broomsticks are comparable to automobiles in the muggle world (without
the age restriction).  And thus, just like the muggle world (err the
US specifically), where everybody have a car.  But its a sweeping
statement, and sometimes the very poor cannot obtain a car for one
reason or another (eg illegal immigrants w/o documentation to obtain a
license).  Plus a witch/wizard flying out in the muggle world is bound
to attract some attention, unless there's a way for the witch/wizard
to hide him/herself either by flying high in the clouds or with
invisiblity cloak.  And not all witches/wizards are adept at flying
(Neville?) especially high above the clouds where the air is thin and
breathing becomes difficult.

Magic motorcycle.  Other that Sirius, we don't know anyone else with a
flying motorcycle.  Okay, there's Aurthur with his flying car.  But
currently in the wizard world, having an enchanted muggle object
(flying or therwise) is ILLEGAL.

Conquistas - The lurker