Passengers on Enfield buses want better protection from anti-social behaviour after some blasted the loutish conduct that leaves them scared to step on board.
Bad behaviour and crime on certain bus routes in recent years has become an increasing problem.
Two years ago the 149 service recorded the sixth highest number of anti-social incidents on buses in all London.
The 279, which takes in Ponders End, came 35th in the same league table.
In the year up to last April there were 1,085 crimes on buses in the borough. Cases of robbery rocketed to 310, up on 189 in 2004/05.
But aside from crime, some people despair at the thoughtlessness and lack of respect that can make some journeys a misery.
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A Winchmore Hill resident spoke of a recent experience on the W8, which runs from Chase Farm Hospital to Picketts Lock.
They said: "A horde of girls swarmed onto the bus at The Hop Poles in Lancaster Road, pushing and screaming.
"They were discourteous and completely oblivious to older passengers. Even a nun in her habit merited no respect.
"It is not right that ordinary citizens should avoid travelling on buses during term time because they are scared and because it is so unpleasant."
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) were created to tackle anti-social behaviour on buses.
But last week London Mayor Ken Livingstone was told by some Freezywater residents that PCSOs are not visible enough.
He vowed to investigate, saying: "PCSOs were brought in to tackle problems on the buses. That is what they are there for. If that is not happening I will talk to the police about it."
Watchdog, London Travel Watch (LTW) monitors bus services in the capital.
It says a high density of schools on certain routes causes problems.
A spokeswoman said: "There are issues in Enfield about the long routes to schools, and LTW is aware of the problem.
"It is very unpleasent for people and we want to see better policing and better targeting of the issues.
"Boisterousness becomes a problem if people feel intimidated by it.
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