Mayor rejects bus driver rights bill

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has rejected a call to include basic rights for bus drivers within operator contracts. The London Assembly had proposed a Bill of Rights in July, seeking improvements to drivers' working conditions such as access to toilets on all bus routes, adequate rest breaks, and functioning air-cooling and heating systems.

Agreed demands and future plans

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City Hall has agreed to three of the 12 demands outlined in the London Assembly's Bus Driver Bill of Rights, which was passed unanimously. These include a pledge to install toilets on all bus routes and to equip all bus driver cabins with air conditioning by May 2027. Other demands, such as the right to a safe work schedule without forced overtime or loss of pay, and proper rest breaks, remain unagreed.

Lord Khan stated that City Hall needed to consistently "evolve" its stance to best serve bus drivers, suggesting that legislation could become outdated quickly. He indicated a preference for ongoing adaptation rather than fixed agreements. He also mentioned that feasibility studies with operators will begin this week regarding a potential move towards a publicly-owned bus company operated by Transport for London.

Mayor's investment in driver facilities

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The Mayor highlighted City Hall's investment in driver facilities, stating that over the last 10 years, more than £24 million has been invested in over 150 toilets for bus drivers. He announced a further £6 million to provide an additional 53 toilets. Lord Khan described access to toilets as a basic human right.

Keith Prince, the Reform assembly member who proposed the bill, expressed disappointment with the Mayor's decision. He stated that drivers deserve proper standards and criticised the Mayor's dismissal of firm protections as being "stuck in stone", particularly given the Mayor's background. Lord Khan insisted he would continue to work with Transport for London and the trade union Unite to improve conditions.