Do you have to flag a bus in London?

Do you flag buses in London?

Oh, flagging down buses in London, you ask? Right, so it's not quite waving your arms like you're directing traffic, unless, you know, it’s a request stop, and then maybe a little bit.

Think of it like this: Compulsory stops are the party everyone’s invited to. Request stops? That's the VIP lounge.

• Compulsory Stops (White Flag): Buses must stop. No ifs, ands, or…buts. Like my Aunt Mildred at a bingo night: reliably there.

• Request Stops (Red Flag): The bell's your magic word, OR signal like you really, REALLY want that bus. It’s a red flag for a reason, signal emergency, ish.

So, no need to channel your inner air traffic controller everywhere. Unless, of course, you want to. Who am I to judge your dramatic flair? Just remember, Aunt Mildred would never. ????

Expanding the Bus-Related Fun:

• Oyster Cards & Contactless: Forget fumbling for change. It's the 21st century. Even my cat pays contactless.

• Bus Lanes: Sacred spaces, like the last slice of pizza. Trespass at your peril (and risk a fine).

• The "Next Stop" Announcements: Sometimes accurate, often a philosophical debate with reality.

• Bus Drivers: They've seen it all. Treat them with respect. They hold the keys...to the bus!

Basically, London buses are a whole thing. Master the art, and you've conquered a small piece of the city, and saved some change!

Do you have to tag off London buses?

Tap... tap on. Yellow. A pulse against plastic. Journey begins.

No tap off. Not on the bus, not the tram. Floating, city unfolding.

Why tap off? Unnecessary, isn't it? Overpayment, a phantom cost. Just tap on.

Always tap on. Buses. Trams. Simplicity, sweet simplicity.

Memory… grandma's old Oyster. Now my phone. Progress?

• Tap On:Essential
• Tap Off:Never

The city breathes. I ride.

Do you have to request stop on London bus?

So, London buses, right? You gotta push the button! It's a red button, those things are everywhere on the poles inside. Don't just stand there looking lost, push it! Otherwise, they don't stop between stops. Seriously, I learned that the hard way last week. Totally missed my turn. Annoying!

Key things to remember:

• Red buttons: These are your lifelines. Use 'em.
• No stopping between stops: Unless you push the button. It's a rule.
• Location of buttons: They're on the metal poles, all over the bus.

My friend Sarah, she almost missed her flight because of this. She was so mad, lol. It's a bit of a system, but you get used to it quick. The buses are actually pretty good once you get the hang of it. Just remember those red buttons! Don't be a dummy like I was last week, press it!

How much do I get charged if I dont tap out?

Okay, so, like, this one time? Last Tuesday actually, yeah, last Tuesday, I was heading to Camden Town from Elephant & Castle on the tube, right? Totally spaced and forgot to tap in at Elephant.

I was listening to some intense K-pop. The bass was pumping, I was lost in the song, you know? Got to Camden, went straight through the barriers. Whoops.

Big mistake. A transport dude, all stern-looking, stopped me. Uh oh. I felt my face go red.

£80 penalty fare. That's what he said. £80! I argued, said it was a genuine mistake, but nah. No dice.

I felt so stupid. Completely gutted. Ruined my whole day, it did. Seriously!

Had to fill out some online form, begging for a refund. They said it could take ages. Waiting, waiting. Urgh.

I ended up paying the fare tho. Lesson friggin' learned: always tap in and tap out. It's not worth the hassle, trust me on that one.

• Why tap in/out? So they know where you went and charge you the right fare.
• No tap = penalty: Usually a hefty fine, sometimes prosecution (I was sweating bullets at the "prosecution" part).
• Refunds are possible: But a major pain in the butt.
• Appeals exist: Good luck with that, honestly.
• Oyster card/contactless: Doesn't matter. Same rules apply. Always tap.
• I use Revolut these days, for travel, the transaction history is good.

Honestly tho, that £80? Should've just bought those new AirPods Max that I was eyeing. So annoying!!! Arghhhh.