Wees on the bus go round ‘n’ round

Busting drivers are busted urinating in their vehicles

GOLD Coast bus drivers have been warned to stop urinating in their buses or face the sack.

Surfside Buslines general manager Martin Hall issued a signed notice to his employees on Thursday stating he was disgusted with the practice.

“Sadly for reasons unknown to me several drivers have been electing to urinate in their buses,” the statement read.

“Not only is this disgusting and extremely unhygienic it now poses a real threat to their employment.”

Bus drivers slammed the notice, blaming the bus company for not organising access to council toilets which are often locked at night.

“It is saying that we are like disgusting animals but they won’t even supply us with proper bathrooms,” said one.

“He’s not offering a solution – he just says you’re fired if you do it.”

Mr Hall’s warning told drivers they could be regarded as not being fit for their jobs if they could not go without toilet stops.

“If you are unable to last long enough between bathroom opportunities without the need to urinate in cups and bottles, then you are potentially deemed as not able to carry out the inherent requirements of your role,” his letter said.

“All staff found to be relieving themselves in our buses or on company property that is not a designated toilet will be subject to disciplinary procedures.”

Drivers on routes near stations at Gold Coast University Hospital and Pacific Fair stations have access to bathrooms but the Bulletin understands drivers away from these locations struggle to find toilets or running water at night.

Coast bus drivers have said they would like to have access to council amenities like their counterparts in Brisbane who are given keys to public toilets.

Transport Workers Union branch secretary Peter Biagini said he could not believe some drivers were unable to access a toilet or wash their hands.

“It is unthinkable that in 2015 bus drivers are unable to access a toilet,” he said.

Mr Hall said the company worked with governments to ensure staff had access to toilets and driver shifts were rostered within regulations.

“Routes are designed to maximise exposure to rest break facilities,” he said.