Why the Knight Bus?

[Ali]

No: HPFGUIDX 45776

> 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.
> 
Now me:-

I would imagine from your post that you're not European? I think in 
Europe we have a very different attitude to public transport than say 
Americans do. In Britain, it is simply not the case that only the 
poor use public transport. Our public transport is notoriously poor 
in comparison with other European countries, but it is still 
perfectly acceptable for people of all degrees of wealth to use 
public transport.  I assume therefore that the clientele would be 
like the muggles users of British bus services, not North American 
where there is perhaps a different cultural attitude towards them?.

I do agree with your idea about using buses for convenience though, 
as in many towns (like my town, Reading), it is simply easier to 
catch the bus into the centre rather than get stuck in traffic jams 
and pay astronomic costs for the car parks.

I agree with Leon that the Knight bus is probably a play on words of 
our Night Buses, although the idea of them springing to the rescue of 
the stranded witch or wizard also ties in with the chivalrous element 
of the word.

Ali

Off to eat egg and chips as she can't be bothered to cook properly 
tonight!