h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I didn't get to introduce myself very effectively because the computer I use is in Santa Cruz, my home is in Boulder Creek, and the darn bus drivers went on strike two weeks ago. I must admit I do not understand the issues in the strike very well, especially since the drivers seem to already have a significantly better deal than most of their passengers, myself included. Be that as it may, I am now getting rides to and from work with people who drive cars, and I suppose that makes it obvious that I do not. Never have. Why I never learned to drive is a long story for another day, but the bottom line is I'm too old and my eyes are too bad to start now.

Are buses in England all public companies, or do you have private bus companies, too? I would prefer ours was private, but I have no say in the matter . . . except at the ballot box . . .