Bus Surfers Risk Lives Clinging to London's 114 Route to Dodge £1.75 Fare
Two individuals were captured on video performing a dangerous stunt by clinging to the exterior of a London bus in an apparent attempt to evade the standard fare. The footage, which circulated widely on social media platforms, shows the pair gripping the back of a moving double-decker bus on the 114 route from Mill Hill to Ruislip.
Dangerous Fare Evasion Incident in Burnt Oak
The incident occurred on Monday along Mollison Way in Burnt Oak, Edgware. In the video, the two people, who appear to be young males, are seen holding onto the rear of the bus as it travels. Once the vehicle came to a stop, they quickly jumped off and attempted to conceal their identities. One used his hand to shield his face, while the other pulled up his hood to avoid recognition.
This act, commonly referred to as 'bus surfing,' involves illegally attaching oneself to the outside of a moving bus to avoid paying for a ticket. In London, an adult single bus journey costs £1.75 when using contactless payment methods or an Oyster card. The Hopper Fare system allows passengers to take multiple bus trips within one hour at no additional cost, with the fare capped at £1.75 regardless of distance traveled.
Public Outcry and Safety Warnings
Online reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly critical, with many users condemning the pair for their reckless behavior. One local resident who shared the footage commented, 'The lengths people will go to save a tap on the Oyster card! Spotted in Burnt Oak today: two guys casually hitching a free ride on the back of the 114 bus.'
Another observer noted, 'Honestly, the grip strength required to hold on while the bus is moving is impressive, but one pothole and this could have ended terribly.' The stunt highlights significant safety risks, including potential falls, collisions, or injuries from road hazards.
Official Response and Police Involvement
Transport for London and the British Transport Police directed inquiries about the incident to the Metropolitan Police. However, the Metropolitan Police reported that they did not have a formal log of the incident in their system at the time of the inquiry. This lack of official record raises questions about reporting and enforcement mechanisms for such dangerous activities on public transport.
Bus surfing not only endangers the individuals involved but also poses risks to other road users and can disrupt public transport services. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of paying fares and using transport safely to prevent accidents and maintain order on London's streets.
