Warning bus drivers may stop mid-route for safety

LONDON’S bus drivers have been told to stop driving their buses in the middle of a route if it becomes overcrowded to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Transport for London (TfL) has limits on the number of passengers that can get on a bus with a maximum of 30 passengers allowed on a double decker bus and 11-14 on a single decker bus, depending on its size.

Standing is also not allowed and the number of people permitted to sit on each bus is clearly marked on the side of the bus.

With the large number of drivers who have died from Covid-19 since the pandemic began, drivers are becoming increasingly concerned about their safety.

The drivers and Unite union that represents them are concerned about the return of students to school on March 8, as the drivers have been told by TfL not to count children as passengers on the bus.

There are also concerns that the rules on wearing masks and face coverings are being ignored on public transport, as well as social distancing.

In a statement Unite said: “With schools due to begin to return next Monday March 8, drivers are highly concerned that overcrowding will dramatically increase, risking their health and that of all the passengers on the bus.

“Especially as it appears that new variants of Covid-19 spread more easily among children.

“Under the advice issued to Unite’s 20,000 plus bus drivers, when the bus reaches capacity, the driver will remain in their cab and contact their controller and the bus will remain stationary until the matter is resolved.”

Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety, health and environment officer said: “We are all utterly devastated that some of our colleagues have died and our thoughts remain with their friends and families.

“We continue relentlessly to do everything possible to protect our bus drivers and other employees, as well as our customers, from this dreadful virus.”

The new policy could create massive delays on TfL’s bus network as the school run starts up again.

The drivers have told TfL they will be counting the children as adults and will stop if there are more passengers than allowed on the bus.

Unite lead officer for London buses John Murphy said: “Today Unite is taking decisive action to prevent the unnecessary transmission of Covid-19 on London’s buses.

“The rules on maximum capacity are there for a reason and are supported by scientific research. Flouting the overcrowding rules will inevitably lead to an increase in transmission of Covid-19 and risks the health and wellbeing of the driver, passengers and the general public. There is no logic to having different rules for school children. Travel on London buses must be safe for everyone at all times.”