Transport for London (TfL) has agreed to fit every bus in the capital with air conditioning, after drivers endured what unions described as inhumane conditions during the summer. Engineers will begin retrofitting driver cabs from November, with all upgrades scheduled for completion by the end of May next year.
Campaign and strike pressure lead to TfL concession
The decision follows MyLondon's 'Back Our Bus Drivers' campaign and a walkout by Arriva workers, which saw 1,500 drivers in North and East London strike in August. During the summer, which saw temperatures exceed 30C for a record-breaking 40 days, most buses were fitted with cheaper air-cooling systems that only lowered cab temperatures by two or three degrees.
This led to some bus drivers falling asleep behind the wheel as temperatures exceeded 40C in their cabs. TfL said other measures are also being explored, such as installing solar film on cab windows to provide drivers with UV protection and climate-controlled seats.
Additional measures and union response
The authority also said it will improve the way it plans for warm weather. Unite the Union, which represented Arriva drivers and held talks with TfL on the issue, described the agreement as a "hot bus win" that will help drive meaningful change.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Inadequate cooling systems in buses have left bus drivers having to endure appalling conditions this summer. This concession from TfL is an important win in Unite's campaign to improve conditions for bus drivers in London and beyond. Unite will continue to fight for all bus workers to be kept safe and to be treated with dignity and respect."
Campaigners see broader 'Bill of Rights' progress
This also represents a significant win for campaigners who have been pushing for TfL to implement a 'Bill of Rights' into TfL contracts with bus companies for several years. One clause focuses on ensuring buses have effective air conditioning, while others call on the authority and City Hall to address poor toilet facilities and "unsafe" shift schedules, among other concerns.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "This is personal to me. I know just what a vital role London's hard-working bus drivers play in keeping the capital moving around the clock. I want to thank our bus drivers for all their work keeping London moving during this unprecedented summer of heat. It's great news that TfL have reached this historic agreement to provide air conditioning in every single bus cab. We need to look after our customers and our workers. The new Taskforce has made excellent progress and demonstrates what can be delivered through collaborative working with trade unions."
Khan added: "As long as I am Mayor, TfL will continue working closely with operators and drivers to deliver further improvements, ensuring London's bus network remains a safe and supportive place to work for every bus driver, as we build a fairer, safer London for all."
The retrofit programme is set to begin in November, with completion targeted by the end of May next year, marking a concrete step toward improving working conditions for London's bus drivers.
