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Buses
London buses operate throughout the whole of the London and surrounding areas. Since privatisation a few years ago there are several companies but generally speaking tickets are interchangeable. Fares are mostly cheaper than on the tube.
The buses are usually red and there are single and double deck versions. Fares are collected on some single deck buses at the entrance by the driver. In the central area it is necessary to buy your ticket before boarding from a machine near to the bus stop. In this area many of the single deck buses are twice the normal length and you may board the bus through any of the several entrances/exits These buses are popularly known as ‘bendy buses’
On some double deck buses there are conductors who collect fares from passengers (now usually called ‘customers’ for some reason which still escapes me)
There are a few routes on which there are buses 24 hours a day. These are referred to as ‘Night buses’ and the route number begins with an ‘N’. The schedules of buses (both day and nights varieties) are posted on small plaques at bus stops. But be prepared for a bus not to appear when it should because of traffic conditions. For more information visit London Transport web site
Look carefully at the Bus Stop sign. If it says ‘Fare Stage’ all buses should stop. If it is a ‘Request Stop’ you need to hold your arm up to make a signal to the driver that you wish to travel on that bus - otherwise the bus may not stop.
In the central area of London you must buy your ticket in advance. There are machines at the bus stop and you can buy daily and other tickets in many retail outlets
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