Erecting Bus Stop, Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, 1935

Comment by StephenBln on June 15, 2019 at 0:11

This was actually part of an experiment.

Previously, there were no permanent stopping places for buses or trams, which had generally used major road junctions to stop (or as fare stages) or stopped where 'the intending (passengers)' put out their hands. But slowly, as car ownership increased, this became ever more dangerous.

An experimental fixed bus stop scheme was then tried out on the section between Camden Town and Seven Sisters Corner (Bus route 39 & Tram 27, plus other adjoing services) to evaluate the use of fixed stops. It was a success and was slowly rolled out all over London, but hadn't been completed by the outbreak of war, at which time, under the disguise of saving imported rubber (tyres on buses) and fuel by less stopping and starting the vehicles, it was introduced everywhere.

Comment by StephenBln on June 15, 2019 at 0:25

To be a bus driver, conductor or even a London Transport employee was at the very top of the scale of work for the labouring classes pre-WW2. Often forgotten in the post war period, it was a very secure job, with guaranteed wages during a very insecure period.

That changed after WW2 and women remained working as conductors/known then as conductresses. Women transport workers, who had taken up men's jobs had faced much hostility after the end of WW1 and were made redundant very soon after in order to provide jobs for the boys. That didn't happen post WW2.

Comment by Hugh on June 15, 2019 at 0:50

Thanks for those insights, Stephen.

Comment by StephenBln on June 15, 2019 at 1:32

I know that I had a publicity leaflet for this Fixed Bus Stops scheme in my collection, but I'm blowed if I can find it. I'll add it later, when I find it.

Comment by StephenBln on January 31, 2021 at 15:05

Two years later and I've found the leaflet:

The Print Info states: 35 981 2500 :- 1935, order 981, 2,500 printed.

I wonder how many of that 2,500 are left today?

Comment by StephenBln on January 31, 2021 at 15:12

As a follow on 1938 Bus stopping Info:  Print Info:-Order 2393, May 1938, 5,000 printed.

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