Thank You Transport for London

[Arrowfoot]

This is an open thank you note for whoever is managing the bus training programme as well as the bus drivers for Transport for London.

I began cycling in Sept and one of my routes at least twice each weekend is from Canada Water to West End and back. To add variety, I will try various roads and bridges. One thing that became clear to me is the amount of courtesy and leeway given by our Big Red drivers. Lots of space and patience. Their lane discipline is also quite obvious.

In contrast the private buses and coaches are always a mixed bag.

 

[Paulus]

As the Bus companies in London are private, the training is organised by the individual company concerned. But there are certain standards, maybe drawn up by LRT, that every driver must attain before they are given their license.

 

[martint235]

It varies from driver to driver. I cycle down the Old Kent Road every day, some drivers give you acres of space, some will cut in right in front of you. You just have to be aware they are there and prepare for them to do the stupidest thing. Then when they don't, it's a pleasant surprise and gets your day off to a good start!

 

[Titan yer tummy]

This is an open thank you note for whoever is managing the bus training programme as well as the bus drivers for Transport for London.

I began cycling in Sept and one of my routes at least twice each weekend is from Canada Water to West End and back. To add variety, I will try various roads and bridges. One thing that became clear to me is the amount of courtesy and leeway given by our Big Red drivers. Lots of space and patience. Their lane discipline is also quite obvious.

In contrast the private buses and coaches are always a mixed bag.

I completely agree with you about London Transport buses. Not sure I have encountered enough private buses and coaches to have a valid opinion on them.

But black cab and Addison Lee drivers - don't even get me started.

 

[gaz]

Just wait till you get a bus squashing you. Not a pleasant experience.

 

[Dan B]

I find most bus drivers are very good - almost surprisinly so given the low pay and stress of the job. But the few that aren't, really aren't :-(

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

Wish the buses i encountered were the same.

Cardiff Bus are generally mixed although i'd say 60-70% of the time i'm cut up and they're a nightmare. Depends on the driver normally.

 

[ianrauk]

I find most bus drivers are very good - almost surprisinly so given the low pay and stress of the job. But the few that aren't, really aren't :-(

This.....^^^^

 

[marafi]

Bus drivers are the worst not just in central London but outside also! the metroline is private. Still though you won't be saying thank you to TFL due to the Black friars bridge and Bow road

 

[col]

There are drivers I dont wish to be associated with, as they go out of their way to antagonise other road users. Iv known a few in previous companies, but where I am now, all are fine.

 

[martint235]

I just remembered the KIngs Ferry lot. They can be fairly frightening as they don't seem to care just how long their coach is

 

[Arrowfoot]

Agree on the cabbies. No matter how wide the road with little traffic, they always seem to be right next to you. You don't get that as often with cars.

My sense is that they are close to the kerb to pick up potential customers but even those with passengers are real close.

But black cab and Addison Lee drivers - don't even get me started.

 

[Arrowfoot]

Not sure if I have been lucky but I can sense the behaviour is pretty much uniform and I put it down to training. For instance, they never go into the cycle lane and when you are alongside them at a red light, I can clearly see that they are waiting for me to move off. Just hope my lucky streak carries on.

Unfortunately Arrowfoot's experience does not match with mine. I have had some close run ins with buses coming into London on the A1000. Lots of aggressive driving, pulling out without signalling, cutting across in front of me and, in one case, a driver yelling obscenities at my wife and me as we cycled back towards Tally Ho. I bet I'm not the only north London cyclist that has these problems.