London:bus drivers ?

Question

Have you noticed that bus drivers don't say anything to men (specially dodgy looking) whose oyster expired or run out off credit, and ignore the fact that they use the bus without a ticket. However, when it's a woman then she is told to get off to purchase a ticket. I understand they don't want to cause trouble but it's unfair. If you ignore this when it comes to men, and naughty kids, do the same when it's a woman who doesn't have a ticket.

Answer 1

It's not "men" who are let on for free on my route.

It's any black guys with a bad attitude who can't be arsed to pay and tramps.

It's totally ridiculous.

As soon as anyone decent walks on with a low prepay they are treated like a criminal

Answer 2

nope - I was frequently let on without paying.  I would go to touch my oyster card to the reader, and the bus driver would say 'it's ok, don't bother'....Im female.

Answer 3

Yeah you could pretty much get on with an oyster card with nothing on it and the bus drivers won't say a thing... they're probably scared of being stabbed.  Can't really blame them either!!

Answer 4

London bus drivers' has policy "threaten if you can, otherwise keep quite"

Answer 5

Flirt you way to be let on without a ticket, works with me!

Answer 6

I think they just cant be bothered lol

Answer 7

I disagree. I've seen bus drivers tell all people who don't have enough credit on their Oyster Cards get off, even dodgy ones. One guy was threatening the driver, the driver stopped and refused to move until the guy got off.

I've also seen them throw off a teenager who'd forgotten their Oyster card (anyone over 11 has to produce their card for free travel).