Whilst we have seen many changes to bus routes going through Paddington & Marylebone in recent time, we should all welcome “New buses for London” plans for route 6. A route l used regularly when it went past my old family home for many years along Warwick Avenue! It is a welcome step towards bringing the bus service back under public control. Which TfL only recently announced with the launch “ buses for London” a publicly owned bus company as it appears to move away from its franchise model.
But let us not also forget, backing our bus drivers campaign calling for five basic rights for drivers to be enshrined in TfL contracts with bus operators in the meantime.
- The right to clean, serviced toilets and rest facilities on all bus routes
- The right to report safety concerns without fear of retribution from TfL or employers
- The right to working air cooling in cabs in the summer and heating in the winter
- The right to a safe work schedule without any forced overtime or loss of pay
- The right to a decent and proper rest break in the working day
These rights should be endorsed for bus drivers particularly after the heat waves we have had this summer. Bus drivers have been taking the strain of London public demands for some time and it is time it is acknowledged. These rights will begin making their working conditions a lot better, that is good for the all including the travelling public.
