Assembly calls for a Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights

The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) need to improve working conditions for bus drivers across the capital.

The London Assembly highlighted concerns today about long hours, fatigue, workplace pressures, and access to adequate welfare facilities, noting the impact these issues can have on both driver wellbeing and passenger safety.

Members called on the Mayor and TfL to formally recognise and support the principles of a London Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights.

Keith Prince AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"I am immensely pleased that the Assembly has agreed that the welfare, dignity and safety of London’s bus drivers should be a priority for the Mayor and TfL. Drivers and their trade unions have been raising concerns for a long time, and those concerns have now been formally recognised.

"It’s now incumbent on the Mayor to get on board with the Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights, work with operators and unions, and see to it that conditions improve for drivers."

The full text of the motion is:

“London’s bus drivers perform a vital public service, safely transporting millions of passengers across the capital every day.

Bus drivers face increasing pressures including long hours, difficult working conditions, abuse from members of the public, extreme temperatures in vehicle cabs, and concerns regarding fatigue and safety.

Safe working conditions for drivers directly contribute to safer roads, improved passenger experiences, and a more reliable transport network.
          
The welfare, dignity, and safety of London’s bus drivers should be a priority for both the Mayor of London and Transport for London.
          
Trade unions and drivers have raised ongoing concerns regarding rest breaks, access to welfare facilities, unsafe scheduling practices, and pressure placed upon drivers while operating vehicles.

This Assembly further notes the principles contained within the proposed Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights, including:

• The Right to a safe work schedule without any forced overtime or loss of pay.
• The Right to a decent and proper rest break in the working day.  
• The Right to drive a safe and well-maintained vehicle.
• The Right to clean, serviced toilet and rest facilities on all bus routes.  
• The Right to report safety concerns without fear of retribution from TfL or employers.  
• The Right, when seriously ill and covered by a doctor's note, to not be harassed into coming into work until fit to do so.  
• The Right to relevant and timely safety training.
• The Right to drive without being forced to answer radio messages and texts from Controllers whilst in motion.  
• The Right to have all company rules in writing and clearly displayed.
• The Right to be treated with dignity and respect by our employers, TfL and the public.
• The Right to Working Air Cooling in our cabs in the summer heat.

⁠⁠The Right to Working Heaters in our cabs in the cold of winter.
          
This Assembly believes that:

• London’s transport system depends upon a respected, protected, and properly supported workforce.
• Improving conditions for bus drivers will improve recruitment, retention, morale, and overall passenger safety.
• No driver should be forced to choose between their health and their livelihood.
• Fatigue, poor working conditions, and inadequate facilities can create serious safety risks for drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
• The Mayor and TfL have both a moral responsibility and a public safety duty to ensure high standards of welfare and working conditions across London’s bus network.
   

This Assembly therefore calls upon the Mayor of London and Transport for London to:

• Formally recognise and support the principles of a London Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights.
• Work with bus operators, trade unions, and driver representatives to implement these rights across all contracted London bus services.
• Review existing contracts with bus operating companies to ensure minimum standards on rest breaks, welfare facilities, vehicle maintenance, heating and cooling systems, and driver welfare protections are enforced.
• Introduce stronger protections for whistleblowers and drivers raising legitimate safety concerns.
• Ensure that drivers are not required to engage with distracting communications while vehicles are in motion except in genuine emergencies.
• Conduct an urgent review into cab temperatures and ventilation standards across the London bus fleet.
• Report back to the Assembly within twelve months on progress made toward implementing these measures and improving conditions for London’s bus drivers.”

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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