Antonia Pugh-Thomas quits as bus driver over lack of toilet facilities on London routes

A former London bus driver has left her job after two years, citing the lack of toilet facilities on routes as a key reason for her resignation. Antonia Pugh-Thomas, 56, told MyLondon she quit last Friday because the conditions had become unbearable for female drivers, some of whom have been forced to bleed through their uniforms during shifts.

Pugh-Thomas said the issue disproportionately affects women, who are often unable to access toilets for up to three hours at a time. She described how female colleagues have spent their 40-minute breaks searching for replacement clothes after being unable to reach a bathroom in time. The problem has been compounded by extreme cabin temperatures, which have reached 40-45°C this summer.

Read Next in News London5 min read

TfL pays £7,642,120 to taxi drivers after licence delays

Nearly 18,000 drivers received compensation under a scheme introduced to address processing backlogs

Six routes confirmed without facilities

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed to ITV News London last week that six bus routes in the capital have no on-board toilet facilities. Lorna Murphy, TfL’s director of buses, said the authority is working with operators to improve driver welfare, including access to facilities. However, Dylan Carroll, who runs the London Bus Forums, told MyLondon his own investigation suggests the number of affected routes could be as high as eight.

Pugh-Thomas said the lack of facilities has led to drivers avoiding drinking water during shifts, worsening conditions in overheated cabins. Many buses also have faulty air conditioning, which she said has a particularly severe impact on women experiencing menopause. She described the response from managers as dismissive, with some questioning the legitimacy of her concerns.

Related Borough Coverage4 min read

c2c launches £15 return fares from Barnet stations to Southend in August 2026

Children travel for £2, and Railcard holders receive a third off the flat-rate ticket

“Women need access to a bathroom; they have a period every month. But because it doesn’t affect the people making decisions, they just seem to ignore it.”

Antonia Pugh-Thomas, former bus driver

Campaign calls for action

MyLondon has launched the *Back Our Bus Drivers* campaign, calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan and TfL to address the conditions faced by drivers. The campaign highlights four key issues: fatigue, safety, lack of toilet facilities, and faulty air conditioning. While the Mayor has instructed TfL to review current safety laws, he has not yet committed to introducing a proposed ‘Bill of Rights’ for bus drivers, put forward by London Assembly Member Keith Prince in early July.

Murphy said TfL is working with operators on measures to improve working conditions, including fair work schedules and access to necessary facilities. She added that the authority regularly engages with Unite the Union on these matters. However, Pugh-Thomas said the industry’s culture remains hostile to women, describing the level of misogyny she encountered as unprecedented in her working life.

What happens next

TfL has not specified a timeline for addressing the lack of toilet facilities on bus routes. The authority said it is committed to ensuring drivers have access to the facilities they need but did not provide details on how or when this will be achieved. The *Back Our Bus Drivers* campaign continues to press for immediate action, while the proposed ‘Bill of Rights’ remains under consideration at City Hall.