An investigation by ITV News has exposed serious concerns about working conditions faced by bus drivers across London, highlighting the impact of long hours, fatigue, and limited access to basic facilities. The report suggests that demanding schedules and pressure to stay on time are leaving many drivers struggling to cope, raising fears over both staff welfare and passenger safety.
Drivers described extreme tiredness caused by tightly packed shifts and insufficient rest breaks. In some cases, exhaustion has reportedly become so severe that drivers have fallen asleep while operating vehicles, prompting concerns about the risks on busy city roads. The investigation indicates that these conditions are not isolated incidents but part of a wider issue affecting multiple routes and operators.
The report also highlights a lack of access to toilets during shifts, with some drivers forced to take drastic measures because they cannot leave their buses or reach facilities in time. This reflects broader concerns about the day-to-day realities of the job, where drivers must balance strict timetables with basic personal needs.
Unions and drivers have pointed to scheduling pressures and operational demands as key causes, arguing that current working patterns are unsustainable. They are calling for changes including longer breaks, better facilities, and adjustments to timetables to reduce stress and fatigue.
The findings add to ongoing debates about transport safety and working conditions in the capital. While bus services remain essential to keeping London moving, the investigation raises questions about whether enough is being done to protect the people responsible for running them and the passengers who rely on them every day.