Mid - morning buses

[Sue]

I haven't been on a bus since before the start of lockdown, but I need to get one next Friday from ED to KCH to get there around 11.30am (and then back again probably around 1 - 2pm).

I know I have to wear a mask, but can anybody tell me:

a) Are the buses likely to be crowded at that time

b) Will they be less crowded upstairs (I usually go upstairs anyway)

c) What is the deal re social distancing - presumably it is one person per seat, but are alternate pairs of seats not in use?

d) I would normally go to the stop before the one at the Post Office, but the pavement is quite narrow there. Is social distancing usually observed at the stop outside the Post Office?

Sorry to be so dim. I feel like I'm venturing into a strange and unknown land :))

[Siduhe]

Hi Sue,

I've only taken a three or four different bus journeys but (on that limited experience):

a) depends on the bus - that time should be much less busy but I've been surprised how many buses are full (i.e. reduced capacity full) even at non-peak times;

b) definitely;

c) all buses are running at reduced capacity so you can sit where you like and remain socially distant. In practice, the last bus I took had lots of people bunched up together (not from the same household) and the rest of the bus was empty. But you should be able to find a socially distant seat easily due to the reduced capacity;

d) can't help you there. Generally, observation of social distancing seems pretty poor to me on LL - not helped by the inability or unwillingness of those in charge to block out part of the road for an extended pavement (like they have done on Rye Lane).

[KidKruger]

Sue, I don't know how well you are presently, but could walking over to KCH be an option if you left enough time and made a stroll of it (if weather's nice) ?

I'd be nervous on a bus !

[cordsm]

I got a No. 40 bus to Denmark Hill station last Sunday at around 10am & it was empty all the way. I let a 176 go by that had a few people on it....Definitely worth getting to the bus stop a bit early, so you can pick & choose which bus you get on. :)

I had to get the train to work twice this week for the first time since lockdown and I felt pretty nervous too, but you soon get used to it again... A few guys not wearing masks, but that's less likely on the bus, as there's a driver to keep an eye on things...

[NewWave]

I haven't travelled on a bus but use overground and tube daily so I can only speak from experience of seeing busses go past-I think at that time you'll be fine.

I leave home at 9am and the busses look far from packed and you will be travelling at a quieter time.

certainly the 185 and 176 would be the ones I'd opt for as they travel an almost identical route from FH to Camberwell green and therefore will probably be emptier for your leg of the journey.

Good luck on your appointment

And I understand how nerve wracking public transport can feel after being on foot only for 10 weeks then suddenly finding myself having to brave public transport to get to work.

A month in I'm still freaked by the amount of people not wearing masks (about 30-40% I'd say) but I'm masked and gloved and carrying hand sanitiser-I would advise you do the same.

[seenbeen]

A 185 went past me- 4 people on it including the driver...NONE were wearing a mask...including the driver! Does that mean the virus has gone?

[DulwichFox]

seenbeen Wrote:

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> A 185 went past me- 4 people on it including the

> driver...NONE were wearing a mask...including the

> driver! Does that mean the virus has gone?

I have been closely monitoring Drivers and Passengers on all local buses when I'm out and about.

Most if not ALL passengers wearing masks.

Most if not ALL drivers NOT wearing masks. I have not seen a single driver wearing a face covering since

they were made compulsory..

DulwichFox

[Clutterqueen]

It's not a strange and unknown land Sue, just a bit different!

If you take a stroll down to the junction of East Dulwich Grove and turn left, the 42 bus stop is just along outside the children's nursery there and is a good way of travelling to King's College Hospital.

[KidKruger]

That's fine only IF loads of people aren't getting on, at all the other stops to your destination !

cordsm Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I got a No. 40 bus to Denmark Hill station last

> Sunday at around 10am & it was empty all the way.

> I let a 176 go by that had a few people on

> it....Definitely worth getting to the bus stop a

> bit early, so you can pick & choose which bus you

> get on. :)

>

[Countrlass22]

Masks some are medically exempt.

Some don't want to wear.

I'm having carry a I'm exmeot fromtfl online badge.

And different ones for bus companies which I have show driver.

Due my severe asthma.

So I'm pretfried go on transport.

But my hospital appointment are being re opened.

And as 2nd wave is imminent in winter.

Despite my exemption il wear mask. For shops.

Transport.

Confined space

If I have asthma attack mask must be removed.

I'm struggling in heat to breathe so il slower than usal

[nxjen]

I had a series of appointments at Kings a couple of years ago and did not feel confident after major surgery to use public transport so used Uber. They are not expensive and I believe that screens have been installed in their cars to protect both driver and passenger though perhaps others can confirm this, I wouldn?t feel happy about using Uber at present if that wasn?t the case. Something I wish I?d learnt earlier is that the pick up point at KCH is in Bessemer Road.

[Sue]

KidKruger Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Sue, I don't know how well you are presently, but

> could walking over to KCH be an option if you left

> enough time and made a stroll of it (if weather's

> nice) ?

> I'd be nervous on a bus !

Walking would have been my preferred option, but unfortunately at the moment it seems that even mild activity when I'm feeling well puts me back in bed for several days (nothing to do with the reason for the appointment.)

Plus I'd have to walk back as well, as if I didn't I might as well have gone there on the bus. I don't think I could do it 😭

As I'm on the vulnerable list I am eligible for car transport to medical appointments,and I phoned yesterday to ask about that, but apparently it has to go through my GP, which is not a problem, however it's an urgent appointment and I'm a bit loath to depend on a car turning up on time, plus they said it was only available if I had "no other way to get to the appointment" and obviously there's the bus option.

Also, a car is a very confined space, even allowing for masks etc..

I've never used Uber, and I don't really want to for the first time for something time critical.

The car parking situation at Kings used to be impossible, is that still the case? I've been driving to my allotment. However I don't want to be stressing because I can't park 😭

Thanks everyone above for your information and advice! I think I should just calm down and risk the bus! I will phone my GP for advice maybe as I'm in a weird situation re the virus.

[spider69]

I do not think it makes much difference how you travel now. I just witnessed 8 runners pounding the pavement outside my house huffing and puffing spreading germs all over.

You would have thought they could have used the road but it seems around my location Southwark seems to be digging up the road with many diversions.

From now on I think you just have to use your own judgement.

[Applespider]

I've taken the bus for the first time in the last week (also to go to/from KCH).

There are regular reminders about masks, not standing, don't sit near the driver and keeping a safe distance. Upstairs/downstairs didn't seem to make much difference in distance other than that there are more up there to choose from. The seats on the three I've been on weren't marked off as usable/not so you are reliant on your fellow passengers to make wise choices. The 176 I got on mid-afternoon did feel quite busy and there was definitely not 2m between passengers possible even upstairs tho people had tried to leave a row of seats between them. You'll also discover an alarming number people who appear to have no idea of how to wear a mask. If you can see that there are two buses coming along within a few minutes of each other, perhaps wait for the second or third.

Just make sure that you give your hands a good wash as soon as you get off; it's hard to avoid touching the poles etc.

I do use Uber and had thought about it but thankfully, two of the trips I had to make were outside peak times and there's no guarantee that the Uber will be any cleaner although I'd expect most drivers to be cleaning well for their own safety too. Best of luck and stay safe....

[Sue]

Thanks Applespider.