Jon’s Brain

He’s Jon to most but Thug to a small number. We arrived at Lancaster University on the first day just after my Mum left me with a kiss, a tear and a box of food which had one of everything I would need in a kitchen for the next 6 months. The big bloke opposite suddenly filled my open door with an obvious intent to take my lovingly assembled box. Red Doc Martins, army jacket, highlights, a big necklace and an expression designed to scare. I didn’t realise that was his usual attire, and that face was actually his mild smile. Neither did anyone else on that College corridor in those heady first hours in the early 80’s when flecked hair highlights were actually quite a strong statement. A nickname was christened: the least thuggy Thug in the UK.

What I learnt from our transporty chat:

· Thug is great at organising! (I actually knew this) He’s therefore good at transport

· A bike is a great engagement present: cycling and physical and mental health go hand in hand.

· Even with Jon's very organised brain he can’t work out how to obtain his Network Rail Card discount on a ticket purchased via a ticket vending machine.

· Traveline has a simple very user friendly interface – great for information, but no need from Jon for them to do the full booking process by the app.

· “Get me home” is actually within Citymapper: a highly rated functionality for a critical time.

· You don’t need incentives and competitions to do something you enjoy – Strava’s not for Thug

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