Latest news with #airportbus
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
The Platform Trap: Mallorca makes life miserable for the unsuspecting rail passenger
Other people's public transport is usually fun to unravel. So far this month I have variously been assured on some buses in Lithuania and Poland that I must get a ticket in advance; on others, I had to pay the driver. Some buses were cash only, others insisted on payment by card (or phone). Flying on from Warsaw to Palma, the driver of the airport bus into town needed €5 in cash – but at least she could sell tickets, unlike increasingly many airport bus services (Lodz in Poland, for example). But last Wednesday evening, I fell foul of the Kafkaesque ticketing trap devised by Mallorca 's otherwise excellent public transport network. The island's railway – a train line running north from Palma – has improved by leaps and bounds over the years. It is now a metro, with smart air-conditioned trains as frequently as every 10 minutes. But unlike any other such system I have seen, each platform is a stand-alone entity. You can access the platform only by an automatic gate, and – as I discovered to my discomfort – you cannot cross from one platform to the other without exiting the automatic gate. So what's wrong with that? Well, at a small station seven stops from central Palma, Pont d'Inca Nou, I bought a ticket at the entrance to platform 1 for a train that was departing from platform 2. When I say 'ticket', it was just a paper receipt with a QR code, which I duly scanned. The gates allowed me onto platform 1. Where, I wondered, was the bridge, subway or street-level walkway that would allow me to cross to platform 2 to catch the Palma train that was due to arrive in two minutes? Every railway I have ever used allows you to do that... except in Mallorca. But there is nothing to indicate the unusual arrangement. Indeed, I was able to buy a ticket to the island's capital from the wrong side of the station and go through the gates to a platform from which trains are travelling away from Palma. Whoever programmed the whole thing presumably knew they were dispatching unknowing passengers into a transportational black hole where the normal laws of travel physics cease to exist. No, you cannot retrace your steps because the machine has already checked you out of Pont d'Inca Nou. The only permitted journey is down to Palma, but you are trapped on a platform from which the only way is up. And yes, I did check out the fences: they are Iron Curtain grade. All I could do was catch the next northbound train – immediately placing me at risk of a penalty, because I was going in the opposite direction – and hope a more normal arrangement prevailed at the next stop. It did not. I was unable to cross to the southbound track without exiting through the gate, which was never going to let me through because my ticket was not valid. So I tailgated another passenger, and followed her over the pedestrian crossing that is unhelpfully located outside Stalag Platform 1, as I now knew it. As luck would have it, she had evidently overshot her station, and was heading for Platform 2. So I was able to tailgate her again (of which she was probably getting fed up). No ticket examiner appeared in the two minutes the train took to trundle to my original station, from where I was finally travelling legally. Should you have the good fortune to find yourself in Mallorca, please do not follow in my tailgating, ticket-bending footsteps. And to TIB, the public transport provider, I say: put up signs saying 'Abandon hope, all ye who enter here'. There is a serious point: an excellent way to cut traffic congestion in Mallorca is to encourage more rail use. But that will only happen if holidaymakers feel confident about using the trains.
Travel Daily News
10-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Family travel made easy: Why airport buses beat taxis for group trips
For families determined to start vacations on the right foot, airport buses deliver what taxis simply cannot—space to breathe, room to grow, and precious moments of calm before the airport excitement begins. Traveling with children transforms every journey into a logistical puzzle. While taxis might seem like the most straightforward option at first glance, airport buses offer hidden advantages that make them the superior choice for families. Forget about cramming into multiple vehicles or playing luggage Tetris—coaches provide space, savings, and sanity when you need it most. Keeping the Whole Family Together One of the biggest challenges of family travel is staying organized. The thought of splitting up across several taxis—with parents in one car, kids in another, and grandparents in a third—creates unnecessary stress before you even reach the airport. With an airport bus service like Bright Bus Airport Express, everyone travels together in a single vehicle. Parents can keep an eye on restless toddlers, siblings remain within talking distance, and no one gets accidentally left behind at the hotel. This togetherness is especially valuable when managing multiple age groups, from infants to teenagers. Fixed Fares That Won't Shock Your Wallet Nothing ruins the start of a vacation faster than watching the taxi meter climb while stuck in traffic with impatient kids. Airport buses eliminate this financial uncertainty with transparent, upfront pricing that doesn't fluctuate based on demand or delays. Unlike rideshares that surge during peak times, bus fares remain consistent—whether you're traveling at dawn or during rush hour. For larger families, the savings can be substantial, often covering the cost of an extra activity or meal at your destination. Generous Space for People and Belongings Family travel means extra baggage—car seats, strollers, diaper bags, and enough snacks to survive a minor apocalypse. While taxis force painful compromises (Do we really need the stroller? Can the car seat fit?), coaches handle gear with ease thanks to dedicated luggage compartments. There's room for everyone's essentials without the arguments about what absolutely must come along. Plus, many airport buses offer overhead storage for smaller items, keeping the cabin clutter-free. Freedom to Move Without Restrictions Young travelers weren't designed to sit perfectly still for extended periods. Buses provide precious extra legroom and the ability to occasionally stand and stretch—small luxuries that make a world of difference on longer journeys. Some routes even include planned rest stops, allowing everyone to reset with a quick bathroom break or leg stretch before the airport chaos begins. Simplified Car Seat Logistics Navigating car seat requirements ranks high on the list of parental travel headaches. Most airport buses operate under different regulations than private vehicles, often permitting children to ride without bulky safety seats. This single advantage can mean packing several fewer items and avoiding the endless struggle of installing and uninstalling car seats in multiple taxis. Built-In Distractions for Restless Travelers Modern airport buses often come equipped with amenities that taxis can't match—panoramic windows perfect for sightseeing, available Wi-Fi to stream entertainment, and sometimes even tables for coloring books or games. These features help the miles pass more peacefully for all involved. Arriving Composed Rather Than Harried The true value of choosing an airport bus reveals itself upon arrival. Instead of frayed nerves from navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with multiple drop-offs, families step out refreshed and ready to tackle check-in. The journey becomes part of the adventure rather than an ordeal to endure. For families determined to start vacations on the right foot, airport buses deliver what taxis simply cannot—space to breathe, room to grow, and precious moments of calm before the airport excitement begins. The next time you plan a family trip, consider how much smoother the experience could be when you're not counting taxi meters or worrying about separated loved ones. Photo by Alex Kalinin on Unsplash
