It used to be, for decades, that all buses halt at compulsory stops even if no-one wants to get on or off.
At a request stop, the bus will only stop if someone indicates they need to get on or off.
This was all fine, until COVID and lock downs happened.
You could go out during those times, of course, if you had a good reason. If you were out, the assumption was that you had a good reason. And a mask.
Buses in London continued to run, of course, because people had to get around. Buses with middle doors used those for entry and exit. The area around the driver was blocked off. No-one cared if you didn’t tap in – there were things more important than that to worry about.
Bus frequency was reduced and, as the roads were mostly clear, they ran on time.
All stops became request, regardless. Buses were not going to stop for no reason.
And after that period, this is how it has continued. Drivers do sometimes stop at compulsory stops, but rarely. Every physical stop is essentially a request stop.
If you are on a bus and need the next stop, ring the bell once in good time, unless it has already been pressed.
If you are on the pavemnet and the bus is approaching, signal to the driver that you are there. Simply raising an arm is sufficient. Nothing extravagant is needed.