CHASING THE NUMBER 12 ROUTEMASTER destined for Dulwich was something I’d got accustomed to. As it pulled away from the bus stop, I’d run as if being chased by Freddy Krueger to catch it! Health and safety was non-existent as I jumped on the back platform and grabbled the safety pole. Getting on a moving bus was challenging, but getting off was even more challenging! The whole shebang certainly got my heart racing. Tips for getting on and off a moving bus below…
Getting on
Eye-up your target pulling away from the bus stop, then burst into a sprint. As you get closer to the back platform, extend your stride and then jump! Once both feet land on the platform, grab the safety pole. Your momentum will swing you around the pole (a bit like pole dancing) until you steady yourself. Finally, take a seat and enjoy the ride.
Getting off at <15 mph
Getting off requires a bit more skill and judgement…
1. Stand on the rear entry/exit platform with one hand on the safety pole.
2. Ensure that you have enough clearance (enough runway space for landing).
3. Leap off as if you’re about to break into a sprint.
4. Once you’ve landed, your heels will be in close proximity to the back of your neck due to your momentum – this is perfectly normal.
5. Once your momentum has steadied, stride normally to your destination.
*It is not advisable to jump off the routemaster at speeds above 15mph. This will result in uncontrolled landing. You could end up falling on your face in a busy street and being flattened like a pancake!
Enjoyed the post? A fun and factual look back at British advertising, leisure and entertainment from the 70s and 80s are featured in the hardback book, Section N Underpass. Get the rundown by clicking the front cover below:
Wow! What an incredibly lively description! I know that I would enjoy riding on the top of one of these. But not so sure I could handle the ‘dismount’ xoxo
Thanks for your comment Lutheranliar 😀. Those Routemaster buses were fun and in fact many are hired for transporting guests to wedding receptions. I recently saw one being used as a bar which served drinks! In terms of getting off whilst in motion, all I can say is ‘practice makes perfect’. 😀