What’s that saying about London buses? Groups of oblivious commuters may have thought if they waited long enough two would come at once - but the stop they were at was actually out of use.
The busy route on Western Road towards Romford Station was closed on Monday evening and all day yesterday due to UK Power Networks carrying out work on connecting road Chandler Way.
Dozens of people, young and old, failed to notice the yellow bag placed over its signpost, stating “bus stop not in use”, as well as the covered timetable. But to be fair to them, it does look like the electronic board was showing arrival times.
The Recorder was contacted by confused commuters asking what was happening.
Ken Cansell asked: “Why are buses not serving the stop in Western Road going towards the station? It is causing a lot of problems.”
Others took to website Streetlife to vent their anger.
One user, Janie, said: “So many elderly people are going to be so confused as to where to go and face a good walk to the next bus stops either outside Asda or further on near the station.
“It’s very confusing, could they not put an inspector there to tell people where to go?”
Clare C added: “My 23 year old daughter stood at that bus stop, along with about ten other people. They might still be there now if some helpful person from the other side of the road hadn’t shouted “Oi you lot, can’t you see the sign? The bus stop ain’t in use”.
Transport for London (TfL) defended their handling of the closure, insisting they conducted themselves correctly.
A spokesman said: “We put a yellow bag, what we call a flag, over the bus stop, saying ‘bus stop out of use’ and another over the timetable.
“Unless we put a cordon around the bus stop there is not much more we can do.”
The bus stop was due to reopen at 6pm last night but residents commented that it was still closed at 6.15pm.
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