Central London bus shake-up

Proposals for the biggest shake-up in over 16 years of London’s central bus network will leave bus drivers worried for their future their union Unite warned today (September 28), as it called on Transport for London (TfL) to give assurances on jobs.

Unite, which represents over 26,000 London bus workers, said it would be scrutinising the plans announced by TfL today, to ensure they delivered on the promise of more outer London buses and were not being used as cover to cut drivers.

“Transport for London’s plans represent the biggest shake-up of London’s central bus network in years and will leave many bus workers worried about their future,” said Unite regional officer John Murphy as he called on TfL to consult fully with the union.

“Unite will be seeking assurances over jobs and expects to be fully consulted on the impact any changes may have on the workforce such as drivers having to move bus garages or be retrained on new routes,” he added. “If TfL is to succeed with its promise of putting more buses where they are needed in places like outer London, then it is vital that it engages and listens to the capital’s bus workers.

“With London’s population set to grow significantly, buses must remain central to mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s ambitious aspirations to move away from private car use.

“It is essential that throughout the process the views of the public and bus workers are taken into account to ensure we have a central London bus network that meets the needs of passengers in the years to come.”