Public transport in London provides some of the best entertainment an oyster card can buy.

Comedic arguments, raucous laughter, random sing-along with Liverpool football fans (always full of emotion) down for a London team challenge, giggling tutu-wearing fashion students seated next to rhythmically nodding young music lovers butted up against sleepy suited city gents are perfect exemplars of harmonious coexistence: something a few seem perpetually disturbed by. Then there are the tube-savvy pigeons just trying to get home after a full day of dive-bombing tourists in Trafalgar Square.

To each of these visions, the reaction by Londoners is forever hilarious. A slightly raised eyebrow, a brief glance, and a ruffling of pages from whichever free publication grabbed that evening. This is about as much response as they feel inclined to muster. Seen it all before you see. Nothing is a surprise anymore. Getting a seat on any form of transport these days is action and excitement enough.

Also, I miss the old-style London bus drivers and conductors who were around during my clubbing days—many moons and night bus trips ago. The bus was their domain, and we all knew it. There was no arguing with them or trying to steam on through middle doors without paying, and there was no way you would ever cause any kind of disturbance on the top deck because, at the slightest sound of a raised voice or thump of feet from upstairs, the bus would screech to a halt.

Silence.

The driver would then leave his (mainly male drivers back then) position at the front of the bus, march upstairs, and then come back down, holding the culprit/s by the scruff of the neck before persuading them forcefully to leave the bus. No argument, no fuss. As usual, regular travellers would look up for a second without comment, then go back to whatever they were doing. Off we’d go again, secure in the knowledge that the bus was a calm, safe, and watched over space.

How times have changed.

Drivers are now reluctant to intervene in any kind of fracas or antisocial behaviour being foisted upon distance-trapped passengers by a few uncaring individuals for fear of legal action and potential sackings. Travelling by any form of public transport is risky, especially by bus, though as a traveller, you are now more often than not left to fend for yourself. Not a comforting feeling.

Written by Hillery Baptiste.