Growing up in London, I took public transport for granted.

Before I turned 18, I could travel on buses for free and, from memory, travelling by underground cost as little as 50p for each journey. I got so used to this that when I came of age, I briefly boycotted buses, having convinced myself that the £1.50 fare was extortionate.

As a music-obsessed teenager, I'd never miss my favourite bands when they were in town - but I didn't realise how lucky I was.

Now I know that it was only because I could get from one side of London to another so easily - a journey equivalent to travelling from Hapurhey to Wilmslow - that I could go to any gig, anywhere in the capital without ever needing to rely on my parents to pick me up.

When I left school and was looking to start a career, I could apply for jobs anywhere within the vast metropolis of London - and I never had to worry about getting to an interview on time because the buses, trains and underground services were so frequent.

And as a young adult on a night out, I could get home whenever I wanted from practically anywhere in........

© Manchester Evening News