as a recovering London bus-aphobic, let me offer the following &quot;expertise&quot; from the first-time bus user's viewpoint (and some was info I gathered from experts who posted on this topic in the past)<BR> <BR>London Bus etiquette: Each bus will have its route number and end destination displayed on the front and back. Bus stops have three types of signs: a sign with a red circle on a white background identifies a bus stop that the bus will always stop at. If the sign is a red square with a white circle and the word &quot;Request&quot; in red, the bus will stop only if signaled. A black sign with an orange owl and the words &quot;night bus&quot; is for night buses. Night buses treat all stops as request stops. <BR><BR>Each bus stop should have a map and a listing of route numbers and destinations of buses that stop there.<BR><BR>Older buses have a conductor. They have the route number shown three times on the front of the bus. You enter from the rear, and either show the conductor your pass, or pay him. New buses, I believe, have only a driver and you enter at the front. New buses have huge windows on the upper and lower deck. Older buses have a divided driver's window and smaller windows all around.<BR>You can ask the conductor or a fellow passenger to alert you to your stop. There is a red button set in yellow plastic near the exit door or stairs. Press it once to alert the driver that you want to get off. <BR>OK true experts, am I still correct?

Well done Elaine - tick v.g. and gold star, and you can clean the blackboard!<BR><BR>The signs for night buses are now different, but the information on the stops is very clear. Almost all will now have diagrams of main stops for each route, and maps (sometimes diagrams) of routes and destinations served from the stop.<BR><BR>Personally I would not rely on the fact of a stop being signed as compulsory - treat them all as request stops, whether waiting at one or planning to get off at one, and be prepared to walk back from the next one with a good grace.

I've been reading about the Central Line tube not running. What is the story about that and any idea about when it will be on line again?? Thanks

As usual, Ben Haines has given wonderful, very current advice. I'm sorry we had to finish our recent vacation before more spring bulbs had bloomed. The home next to our hotel near Kings Cross had 10-12 blooming primroses outside which the cold weather didn't seem to harm a bit. A dashing promise of more color to come. Also glad to hear that the pesky congestion charge is actually having a positive effect.

The Central Line is out of service due to the horrible accident a few weeks ago. It is expected to reopen next month - but that could obviously change.