request stop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral / Formal
Quick answer
What does “request stop” mean?
A designated bus or tram stop where the vehicle will only halt if a passenger signals, typically by pressing a button or raising a hand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A designated bus or tram stop where the vehicle will only halt if a passenger signals, typically by pressing a button or raising a hand.
A system or agreement whereby a service (like a bus) stops only when actively requested, not automatically at every designated point. Can also refer metaphorically to any arrangement requiring explicit initiation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'request stop' is the standard term on buses and in public information. In the US, the terms 'flag stop' or 'on-demand stop' are more common, though 'request stop' is understood.
Connotations
In British usage, it implies a normal part of the transport system, often in less densely populated areas. In American usage, it can sound slightly formal or British.
Frequency
Common in UK public transport discourse; relatively rare in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “request stop” in a Sentence
The bus (Subject) serves (Verb) several request stops (Object).Passengers (Subject) must request (Verb) the stop (Object).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “request stop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please remember to request your stop in good time.
- You need to request the stop by pressing the bell.
American English
- Riders should request their stop by pulling the cord.
- You must request a stop if you wish to get off.
adverb
British English
- The bus stops request-only along this road.
American English
- The van picks up passengers on-demand only in rural areas.
adjective
British English
- It's a request-stop service after 8 PM.
- Look for the request-stop signs.
American English
- The route operates with flag-stop service on this stretch.
- Be aware of the on-demand-stop zones.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; potentially in logistics or service design discussions.
Academic
Used in transport studies, urban planning, and geography papers.
Everyday
Common in UK conversations about bus travel, especially outside city centres.
Technical
Standard term in UK public transport scheduling, signage, and passenger information systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “request stop”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “request stop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “request stop”
- Using 'demand stop' (less standard) instead of 'request stop'.
- Omitting 'stop' and just saying 'request' (e.g., 'Is this a request?').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus will not stop unless another passenger has signalled or someone is waiting to board.
They are less common in dense city centres where buses stop at every point, but more frequent in suburbs and residential areas.
Yes, but you must clearly signal to the driver that you wish to board as the bus approaches.
Very rarely; the more common term for trains is 'request stop' in the UK (e.g., some rural stations) but 'flag stop' is used in North America.
A designated bus or tram stop where the vehicle will only halt if a passenger signals, typically by pressing a button or raising a hand.
Request stop is usually neutral / formal in register.
Request stop: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈkwɛst stɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈkwɛst stɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a request stop, not a given – meaning something requires active effort to obtain.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You must REQUEST (ask for) the STOP. The words themselves are the mnemonic.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVICE AS A RESPONDER (the service only acts when called upon).
Practice
Quiz
What should you do at a 'request stop' on a UK bus?