Fatigued drivers are resorting to desperate measures due to lack of toilets.
Drivers fear a tragedy on Oxford Street, worrying that a driver might fall asleep and the bus could hit a family. The petition has over 23,000 signatures and lists 12 demands in a Bus Drivers Bill of Rights, which they gave to City Hall.
Kevin Mustafa created the petition after driving buses from 2016 to 2021. He says fatigue problems are getting worse and that drivers risk their sleep. He feels this endangers passengers, adding that companies force constant driving.
TfL defends their safety rules and work conditions. Kevin and other drivers told about exhaustion, noting that rest times are shorter now. Rotas do not give them enough rest days, and they may only get ten hours between shifts.
Drivers need time for toilet breaks. They want to drink something cold or hot. Drivers sometimes work many days straight, up to 90 hours. Kevin says this situation is a “ticking time bomb,” fearing a terrible accident.
Kevin used to work 13 days in a row, and he states lower paid drivers often do the same. He recalls working 130 hours straight, admitting that it felt scary. Many drivers admit they’ve fallen asleep at bus stops.
A study found many drivers fall asleep. TfL has a Bus Safety Strategy to guide TfL, operators, and the industry. They aim to improve vehicle and street safety. They also focus on supporting drivers.
The Mayor aims for zero deaths by 2041 and no deaths from buses by 2030. Lorraine Robertson, a former driver of 17 years and a driver rep, says shifts can last 12 hours and that breaks are not enough.
Lorraine now campaigns for toilet access. She said some routes lack a toilet at all. TfL says one toilet suffices for shorter routes, but she claims toilets are truly inaccessible, so drivers rely on shops and other spots.
She notes the need for toilets for health, citing diabetes and prostate cancer. She says toilet access impacts safety because it’s hard to drive when needing a toilet. Some closed toilets have since reopened.
Drivers report using bottles when they cannot reach a toilet, and one driver even got fired for it. A rep said toilet issues are disgusting and especially challenging for female drivers.
The Bus Drivers Bill of Rights lists twelve demands, including safe work schedules, no forced overtime, and real rest breaks. They want safe buses and clean toilets. A key point is reporting concerns while maintaining respect and dignity.
Drivers also want working air cooling in summer and working heaters during winter. Drivers feel buses are too hot or cold, and the temperature affects safety. Cabs can reach over 40 degrees in summer.
Kevin said it feels like a sauna, while one rep describes a “mobile greenhouse.” Imagine long shifts driving in extreme heat. Drivers often eat meals on the roadside and end up exhausted, working many days without rest.
Drivers also deal with very cold buses. Lorraine said it’s hard to feel your feet when the cold air blows on your face and hands. She adds, “How can you drive when you’re freezing?”
Drivers report a “culture of fear” exists. Drivers feel pressured to not speak out and often stay unnamed for these reasons. Kevin said speaking to the press leads to trouble, and a rep added they risk becoming a target.
TfL has denied accusations of pressure. Drivers protest at City Hall and handed their petition to Caroline Russell. They want TfL to adopt rights in contracts since many are hurt in bus related incidents.
Kathleen Finnegan died at a bus station and was one of nine pedestrians killed. Lorna Murphy is TfL’s Director of Buses. She said they are committed to safety and want to end harm on their network.
They take driver safety seriously. They require operators to meet high standards. They work on measures to improve work conditions. These improve health and well being. She said fair schedules and safe vehicles are essentials.
They welcome feedback from bus workers. They will consider changes to improve safety.