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Post by gwiwer on Sept 23, 2024 8:57:16 GMT
Kick-off.
Best: Awaiting the 281 in Kingston at 03.30 one morning. It turned out to be Fresher's Week at the universities (Kingston and St. Mary's) but I was on my way home from a family event. The town was rammed with students. Chaps mostly well-dressed in jackets and open shirts. Ladies just about dressed - some not wearing quite enough to reliably cover themselves in their drunken revelries.
I find myself surrounded at the bus stop by several female students one of whom whips off her upper layers and asks me "Would you like a bra?" while wrapping that item around my face for her friends to photograph.
I still wonder if they ever looked at those photos or just deleted them. A late-teen baring almost all in public, cuddling up to and adorning a 60-something chap with her bra!!! Ah the joys of youth.
Worst: Not witnessing my first "one under" but a later one where a young woman asked a stranger to mind her baby for a moment as she had something to do .....
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Post by LT 20181 on Sept 23, 2024 11:00:07 GMT
Hmm.. I can think of a few such moments that’ve happened recently. Best: This happened earlier this year in the summer. I was waiting for a 224 at Alperton one morning on the way to work. The bus comes to the stop as scheduled and I see a regular passenger a distance away (I’d say 70 yards or so away). I was thinking whether I could hold the entire bus for her so she’d make it in time. So that’s what I did - I let everyone on before me, had one foot on the bus’s doorstep and waited as she ran and made it on board. I was thinking “this is it, this is my moment!” The driver didn’t seem too bothered about what I was doing but the passenger I held the bus for smiled and said thank you. I felt very proud of myself and could not stop smiling for the rest of the day because I had my moment! And also especially because, heh, this is someone I may have a small crush on.. this little moment did happen a few more times and eventually we started talking. We’re on good friendly terms and talk whenever we can  Worst: This happened last year, also on the way to work. I get to the station platform and wait for the train. There were these three girls intoxicated and holding bottles of drink. They get on my train and were just as disruptive as can be - playing music out loud, shouting, “dancing” in front of other passengers (I’m sure some can imagine what “dances” they were doing that day). Was very relieved when they got off at the next stop, the rest of the train journey was thankfully very quiet. So, these have been the best and worst experiences so far. Hoping now for more of the best and no more of the worst |
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Post by VMH2537 on Sept 23, 2024 11:53:48 GMT
Best:
Fairy excited myself seeing the Superloop network implemented being I've for a while suggested an expensive network of express routes alongside integrating them into one brand.
The implementation of the 456 bus route for a new service right passing my doorstep bringing much useful links in particular eastwards.
Seeing Sullivan Buses ceasing operations from TfL
Worst:
The time when RATP has decided to aboundon all 125 services east of Hampton Square making my journey twice as long as it was meant to take.
A similar case when all services towards Winchmore Hill were abounded again by RATP east of Southgate alongside Sullivan leaving an hour gap on the W9. This resulted in a journey giving up on the buses instead having to walk home.
TfL implementing the poo proposals at Woodford.
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Post by yunus on Sept 23, 2024 22:07:21 GMT
If I talk about best, this post will be unreadablely long!
Been into buses since ever knowing myself presumably as I have/had many relatives working in the industry. Not having a babysitter when mum was working also helped as I would need to ride up and down from the age of 10!
All my rides from the 90s - 2014 were pretty decent, especially on night buses from 2003/2004 - 2014 mainly on the N55 before it converted to LTs in early 2015. These are truly valuable memories I have.
Just one memory for us original Eastlondoners, not sure if this was best or worst for me but certainly for my relative and the two brother drivers who was on the 69 that night. One late night something drastic happened in Newham (cannot recall exaclty what but this was either in 2004 or 05) which meant all buses were all over the place. I recall arriving at LCA with 2 other buses. As we lost a full rounder worth my relative decided to run light back to Central via the A406 then resume but that was the mistake. It was absolutely rammed and ended up finishing two hours later than the brother drivers. I was LMAO and he blasted at me that if I carry on I will be booted off his bus.
From 2006-2010, I worked around Buckhurst Hill so the N55 would be my bus home. I miss the variety even tho it was only TAs, you would get all sorts the older ones with Red Poles which were my favourite.
My last ride on the N55 was in October 2014 shortly before I went back to Cyprus for health reasons. My bus was Scania 15172 & TA 17876. Really lost for words how 10 years have gone past so quickly.
My favourite night route out of area would have to be the N47. Whenever I had free time, I would take a ride on that route. Believe me even tho it was replaced by the N199 it was nothing like it, in terms of being fast flowing.
Happy to go into more detail about other memories at a later date.
Worst seems to be anything these days crawling about or regulating - no need to say much more!
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Post by VWH1419 on Sept 23, 2024 23:30:38 GMT
Best:
Riding on MCW Metrobuses on my locals. Fond memories riding those in North London, inc my first thrash rides on the 232 when that was upper decked.
Riding on Plaxton Darts and Marshall Capitals (pre 2003). I also loved riding those on the C11/139/189/245 as a little child. Too much to say, but fondly also remember riding those brand new on all routes. I also remember distinctness of vehicle designs between the C11/139 batches. Weird I know.
Hearing buses pull away in my area. Lots of fond memories as a child of hearing Leyland Olympians, MCW Metrobuses and Plaxton Darts/Presidents pass my road near a bus stop. To this day I also enjoy hearing Volvo hybrids pull away, esp when the driver properly fully revs them. Harder to enjoy as so much traffic on roads to see them go into distance though.
Witnessing my first operator contract change. A weird one, but still vividly remember when 260 passed from Armchair to Metroline. Was bittersweet to no longer hear Layland Olympians, but an MCW allocation was a good enough alternative.
Riding an Euro 5 G2 B5LH for first time. Back in late 2007, I wasn’t too happy to have Plaxton Presidents on my local 260/460 and couldn’t stand VWs. Then after riding what I thought was another bog standard G2, turned out to be an interesting sounding Gemini 2 that was different (my first experience on a Gemini 2 hybrid), I believe was trip to the cinema. From there on after bumping into more strays, I fell in love with riding Gemini 2 hybrids the following year. This kickstarted my interest in modern buses again.
Riding on VWH1413 on a snowy day back in 2018 back home. For some reason an very fond memory I can’t explain. This was also my first time seeing it in its City of Westminster wrap, and a fast bus at the time.
Running into regular drivers you recognise that greet you, esp on my local 460 and C11. Nice mental health boost when a bad day. Was also lucky to bump into reportedly the nicest driver on C11 who had made the news when was stationed at HT.
Worst:
Same old antisocial behaviour with vaping on a bus (sadly 1-2 occasions where was done on purpose for annoyance).
Witnessing the worst emergency diversion implemented on the route 13. When a potential passenger asks if the 13 is running, only to have an x2/x3 conga line from Golders Green into Victoria, it really should raise questions. And the usual running of the route.
Been on a bus that was involved in a minor accident. Thankfully all was ok albeit shaken. Was due to where car drove too close to bus on side.
Enthusiasm for modern single deck rides seems to have totally died off for me. Just plain boring and underpowered nowadays. There is the odd Enviro 200 that can kickdown or be thrashed, but that is rare for me sadly and nothing to Euro 2/3 darts.
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Post by LK65EBO on Sept 24, 2024 11:07:30 GMT
Best:
- Citaro Ks announced to be the 117s allocation
- Metroline taking over the H91
- E400Hs being introduced to AV
Worst:
- RATP taking over the 235
- A driver deciding to terminate a service on a 235, seemingly without any permission from the controller (this was done purely because of someone getting on through the back door)
- A driver of the 90 missing the changeover point and having to speed back (and hit the limiter) to reach the changeover point again. We were then bunching with the 90 behind in front for the rest of the journey.
- The withdrawl of N94UD Scania OmniCity's
- The withdrawl of Optare Tempos which were found on the H37 and 203. Albeit, I've never used one, though I really liked the design and thought it was one of the best looking buses to this day.
- Onboard a 235 which was in a minor accident with a car. Never had a bus brake so hard in my life.
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Post by WH241 on Sept 24, 2024 19:25:48 GMT
If I talk about best, this post will be unreadablely long! Been into buses since ever knowing myself presumably as I have/had many relatives working in the industry. Not having a babysitter when mum was working also helped as I would need to ride up and down from the age of 10! All my rides from the 90s - 2014 were pretty decent, especially on night buses from 2003/2004 - 2014 mainly on the N55 before it converted to LTs in early 2015. These are truly valuable memories I have. Just one memory for us original Eastlondoners, not sure if this was best or worst for me but certainly for my relative and the two brother drivers who was on the 69 that night. One late night something drastic happened in Newham (cannot recall exaclty what but this was either in 2004 or 05) which meant all buses were all over the place. I recall arriving at LCA with 2 other buses. As we lost a full rounder worth my relative decided to run light back to Central via the A406 then resume but that was the mistake. It was absolutely rammed and ended up finishing two hours later than the brother drivers. I was LMAO and he blasted at me that if I carry on I will be booted off his bus. From 2006-2010, I worked around Buckhurst Hill so the N55 would be my bus home. I miss the variety even tho it was only TAs, you would get all sorts the older ones with Red Poles which were my favourite. My last ride on the N55 was in October 2014 shortly before I went back to Cyprus for health reasons. My bus was Scania 15172 & TA 17876. Really lost for words how 10 years have gone past so quickly. My favourite night route out of area would have to be the N47. Whenever I had free time, I would take a ride on that route. Believe me even tho it was replaced by the N199 it was nothing like it, in terms of being fast flowing. Happy to go into more detail about other memories at a later date. Worst seems to be anything these days crawling about or regulating - no need to say much more! Maybe I am reading it wrong but are you suggesting the 69 ran light unofficially ? or was he instructed by the controller to run light from City Airport to Walthamstow? |
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Post by yunus on Sept 24, 2024 20:45:11 GMT
If I talk about best, this post will be unreadablely long! Been into buses since ever knowing myself presumably as I have/had many relatives working in the industry. Not having a babysitter when mum was working also helped as I would need to ride up and down from the age of 10! All my rides from the 90s - 2014 were pretty decent, especially on night buses from 2003/2004 - 2014 mainly on the N55 before it converted to LTs in early 2015. These are truly valuable memories I have. Just one memory for us original Eastlondoners, not sure if this was best or worst for me but certainly for my relative and the two brother drivers who was on the 69 that night. One late night something drastic happened in Newham (cannot recall exaclty what but this was either in 2004 or 05) which meant all buses were all over the place. I recall arriving at LCA with 2 other buses. As we lost a full rounder worth my relative decided to run light back to Central via the A406 then resume but that was the mistake. It was absolutely rammed and ended up finishing two hours later than the brother drivers. I was LMAO and he blasted at me that if I carry on I will be booted off his bus. From 2006-2010, I worked around Buckhurst Hill so the N55 would be my bus home. I miss the variety even tho it was only TAs, you would get all sorts the older ones with Red Poles which were my favourite. My last ride on the N55 was in October 2014 shortly before I went back to Cyprus for health reasons. My bus was Scania 15172 & TA 17876. Really lost for words how 10 years have gone past so quickly. My favourite night route out of area would have to be the N47. Whenever I had free time, I would take a ride on that route. Believe me even tho it was replaced by the N199 it was nothing like it, in terms of being fast flowing. Happy to go into more detail about other memories at a later date. Worst seems to be anything these days crawling about or regulating - no need to say much more! Maybe I am reading it wrong but are you suggesting the 69 ran light unofficially ? or was he instructed by the controller to run light from City Airport to Walthamstow? Tbh I am not sure but back in the days drivers claim that they could get away with anything. I somehow cannot remember what the system used prior to Ibus was called? There is always an official route to run light but drivers still use other ones within reason. |
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Post by WH241 on Sept 24, 2024 21:16:10 GMT
Maybe I am reading it wrong but are you suggesting the 69 ran light unofficially ? or was he instructed by the controller to run light from City Airport to Walthamstow? Tbh I am not sure but back in the days drivers claim that they could get away with anything. I somehow cannot remember what the system used prior to Ibus was called? There is always an official route to run light but drivers still use other ones within reason. I was not questioning the route he used to run light more the fact you seemed to suggest they cut a trip. |
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Post by southlondon413 on Sept 24, 2024 21:56:55 GMT
Best moment: My dad coming home to excitedly tell me the buses were talking. This was 2001 and shortly after the 51-reg LDP arrived at AL. They had a voice announcement about the closing doors, it didn’t last long.
Worst moment: Witnessing a driver parked up at Walthamstow Central pee inside Stagecoaches TA1. Parked up for a good 10 minutes before wandering to the rear doors and just peeing on the floor. Ironically there was toilet a few feet away.
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Post by southlondonbus on Sept 25, 2024 4:10:53 GMT
Best moment: My dad coming home to excitedly tell me the buses were talking. This was 2001 and shortly after the 51-reg LDP arrived at AL. They had a voice announcement about the closing doors, it didn’t last long. Worst moment: Witnessing a driver parked up at Walthamstow Central pee inside Stagecoaches TA1. Parked up for a good 10 minutes before wandering to the rear doors and just peeing on the floor. Ironically there was toilet a few feet away. "Bus stopping at next bus stop please stand well clear of doors" in a slightly awkward voice. I remember it well on the 51 reg LDPs and EVLs. |
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Post by M1104 on Sept 25, 2024 13:01:45 GMT
"Bus stopping at next bus stop please stand well clear of doors" in a slightly awkward voice. I remember it well on the 51 reg LDPs and EVLs. PDL25's was faulty in that the message was played speeded up. I remember having that bus all night on the 345(N) |
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Post by M1104 on Sept 25, 2024 13:18:56 GMT
Best:
Driver on the 133 taking us punters into Brixton Garage and straight out again before continuing on to Tooting Broadway, the bus at the time being B reg Dennis Dominator H2 or H3. Presumably he thought he was terminating there
Worse:
Similarly to the best moment where a Stockwell driver terminated his Sunday service 88 inside the entrance to Merton Garage with us still on board and was about to take us further in to turn around before being stopped by another driver. The worst part in that was I was bursting in excitement all ready to see right inside the belly of the garage only for it to not happen. The bus in question was a B20 DMS
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Post by vjaska on Sept 25, 2024 14:05:24 GMT
"Bus stopping at next bus stop please stand well clear of doors" in a slightly awkward voice. I remember it well on the 51 reg LDPs and EVLs. PDL25's was faulty in that the message was played speeded up. I remember having that bus all night on the 345(N) I think there was a Q PVL that also had a speeded up message as well, unless I rode PDL25 which could of easily happened given I did frequent that batch a lot on the 345 back then  |
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Post by mondraker275 on Sept 25, 2024 17:48:40 GMT
Best moment: My dad coming home to excitedly tell me the buses were talking. This was 2001 and shortly after the 51-reg LDP arrived at AL. They had a voice announcement about the closing doors, it didn’t last long. Worst moment: Witnessing a driver parked up at Walthamstow Central pee inside Stagecoaches TA1. Parked up for a good 10 minutes before wandering to the rear doors and just peeing on the floor. Ironically there was toilet a few feet away. What? No. I cant accept this as true. Surely not. My mind cannot even picture it, it is so implausible. |
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