Public transport users in the UK have been left amazed by a little-known trick on certain buses. A TikTok video by @harleyrosesheart revealed the hidden feature: flip-up seats that transform into footrests. This ingenious design allows passengers to relax with their feet up after a long day, while keeping their shoes off the main seating area.
The viral clip shows passengers on a More Bus in Bournemouth discovering the flip-up seats, which feature a message on the back: ‘If someone needs the seat, be a sweet and remove your feet’. These seats have been spotted on More Bus lines in Poole and Bournemouth, as well as some X3 buses and routes on the Isle of Wight. While not yet seen in London, the feature has sparked excitement among those who have encountered it.
While London might not have these flip-up seats, it does hold a surprising transport secret: a tram network operating in four boroughs. These trams have a rich history dating back over 200 years, when they were the cutting-edge mode of transportation. They almost became extinct with the rise of petrol-fueled vehicles, but were brought back to life in 2000 with the relaunch of the Croydon Tramlink system.
This modern tram network spans four boroughs – Croydon, Sutton, Merton, and Bromley – and connects areas like Wimbledon, West Croydon, East Croydon, Beckenham, and Elmers End. Although there are no immediate plans to expand the network, Transport for London (TfL) is currently procuring funding to replace older trams with new ones by the 2030s.
Meanwhile, Hillingdon, a borough in west London, has been named the most congested area in Greater London. With a staggering 1.44 billion vehicle miles traveled on its roads, Hillingdon’s congestion is attributed to its proximity to Heathrow Airport and the M40 motorway.
Other London boroughs have seen a decrease in traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels, except for Enfield and Sutton. These figures highlight the challenges of navigating London’s complex transport network.
So, whether you’re enjoying the comfort of flip-up seats on a UK bus or exploring London’s hidden tram network, there’s always something new to discover in the world of public transportation.
