MyLondon Unveils Campaign to Support Bus Drivers Facing Inhumane Working Conditions

Raising Awareness for Bus Drivers’ Plight

A new campaign named ‘Back Our Bus Drivers’ has been initiated to highlight the harsh and often inhumane conditions that bus drivers endure on a daily basis. This initiative aims to urge Sir Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) to take meaningful action in addressing these pressing issues. Reports from various drivers indicate alarming situations, such as temperatures soaring to 43 degrees Celsius within their cabs due to malfunctioning air conditioning systems, and the burden of fatigue stemming from merely ten hours off between shifts. Furthermore, many drivers have experienced prolonged periods of up to three hours without access to toilet facilities.

A growing number of drivers across the capital feel their grievances regarding working conditions have largely been ignored. They assert that bus companies, the Mayor, and TfL appear primarily focused on delivering a reliable service at minimal cost, often at the expense of driver safety. The very individuals responsible for keeping London moving are expressing concerns that this negligence is endangering not only their own lives but also those of their passengers and other road users.

Proposing a ‘Bill of Rights’ for Drivers

In response to these challenges, bus campaigners have come together to advocate for a ‘Bill of Rights’ aimed at ensuring that the drivers’ poor working conditions are adequately addressed. Recently, Lorna Murphy, TfL’s director of buses, stated in an interview that the proposed ‘Bill of Rights’ would not make any significant difference, suggesting that the issues are already covered under existing employment laws. However, MyLondon’s investigation into the matter presents a contrasting narrative.

On Wednesday, July 29, a bus driver faced a deduction in pay for refusing to operate a bus lacking air conditioning in outdoor temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius. This incident comes in spite of assurances from both the Mayor and TfL commissioner Andy Lord, who have indicated in recent weeks that drivers would not face penalties for such refusals. MyLondon is advocating for the incorporation of five essential rights into TfL contracts with all London bus operators, alongside measures to ensure that acceptable working conditions are upheld once contracts are awarded.

Essential Rights for London’s Bus Drivers

The proposed rights include the following: the right to clean and serviced toilet and rest facilities on all bus routes; the right to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation from TfL or employers; the right to functional air conditioning in cabs during the summer and heating in the winter; the right to a safe work schedule without coerced overtime or pay deductions; and finally, the right to a reasonable and proper rest break during the working day.

Chris Ballinger, Executive Editor at MyLondon, expressed the importance of supporting bus drivers by stating, “London’s bus drivers help us commute each day, take children to and from school and ensure our grandparents can reach the shops. They are there for all of us. In return, they are merely asking to be allowed to do their job safely and comfortably. This should never be a question they need to ask. MyLondon stands firmly behind them.”

Connecting with London’s Bus Drivers

Bus drivers in London who wish to share their experiences or concerns are encouraged to reach out via email to luke.donnelly@reachplc.com or kumail.jaffer@reachplc.com. For those looking to stay updated with the latest news and developments from London, subscribing to MyLondon’s daily newsletters is highly recommended.