In message of Mon, 23 Mar 2009
15:11:47 in uk.transport.london, Walter Briscoe
writes

[all snipped]
Today, I got this from :
"It is true that there used to be separate designations for 'compulsory'
and 'request' stops. This is no longer the case. Following a review of
the matter last year, drivers have been advised to treat all designated
bus stops in the same manner. If there are customers waiting at the stop
they must stop, and if a passenger presses the stop request button on
board the bus they must stop at the next bus stop. There is no
documentation of this change."

I shall continue to signal at "Request Stop"-flagged stops.
I don't signal at "Bus Stop"-flagged stops because I like the
distinction and am sad at its passing.

Our bus drivers are mostly wonderful. I missed a southbound bus at
Moorgate Station; the bus stopped at the London Wall lights; the driver
opened the doors to allow me to board. He had had a good day with a huge
extra amount on his payslip. Such customer service is fairly usual.
--
Walter Briscoe