On Mar 9, 10:53*pm, "Graham J" wrote:
Presumably the research didn't include those I see on almost every bus
journey who signal the bus too late (either with a V sign or an angry
fist) as it sails straight pass compulsory bus stops where people
obviously *were* waiting to board.
In such situations the driver is not conforming to the policy.

It is common for the 410 not to stop at East Croydon northbound in the
evening peak (and to a lesser extent at other locations at other times of
day) despite there being waiting passengers, presumably because the driver
believes the bus is full (although the waiting passengers can often see that
actually it isn't, it is just crowded at the front). *Once wonders what the
policy is in that instance.

I always hail buses and ring the bell if no one else has. *However this is
because I've long since lost confidence that drivers would actually stop at
compulsory stops otherwise. *I know I am by no means alone in doing this.
It seems to me that to some extent TfL have changed the regulations to match
the behaviour of passengers who were responding to the failure to adhere to
the old regulations.

I think it is actually perfectly reasonable to have just one type of bus
stop and to request passengers indicate to the driver that they wish to
board or alight. *It would be a courtesy to their passengers to advise them
what they policy now is, especially as those who are most familiar with the
concept of compulsory and request stops are likely to have been using the
bus services for the longest time.

There seems to be a common misconception here that all bus drivers
regard passengers as something other than a mere inconvenience in
their plight to get from starting point to destination as quickly as
possible, and with as few interruptions (i.e. passengers) as they
possibly can. Inspectors are frequently of the same mindset: how else
would they explain turning short two packed Northbound 295 buses at
Fulham Brodway (Jerdan Place) on Tuesday morning at 8.30a.m., churning
the passengers out onto a dangerously small pavement that was being
dug up (the bus stop itself was actually fenced off for pavement works
around it).

The new T.F.L. regime quoted at the beginning of this threat is truly
incredible, and shows that they regard passengers as mere cattle, like
so many drivers.

Why not just have a SIMPLE system: one design of bus stop, with
"REQUEST" written on it, and make the SIMPLE rule that anyone wishing
to board or alight the must hail the bus as it approaches or ring the
bell, respectively? The "new" regime of "COMPULSORY" bus stops that
are not compulsory is a recipe for confusion to all concerned! Only
idiotically muddled thinking would suggest otherwise! And as for not
actually publicising the change in regulations - that truly beggars
belief, even for an organisation with such poor concept of "service"
as T.F.L.!

M.M.