A good chat with the driver who said that the [text] messaging
function on their iBus systems didn't work properly - and meanwhile
London Bus
Control was telling all drivers: "Please call in only if you have a
code red, of which we currently have more than 60 to deal with. All
other drivers, please do your best. The gritters are out; if you're
stuck, they will get to you when they can."

I recall my parents telling me how in the 1920s unemployed people had to
clear snow from the streets in return for their benefits. Worth
revisiting? After all, with over 200,000 in London claiming JSA each
bus could have its own gang ready to leap into action; and I am sure the
Chinese would offer a good price on brooms and shovels for an order for
a million or so (assuming TfL coordinate with other cities).
--
R