Bus driver criticises Mayor Khan's welfare pledges

Mushin Manir, a bus driver with nearly two decades of experience, has stated that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is not sufficiently addressing the welfare of bus drivers. Manir, who works on routes including the 58 and 115, believes that recent announcements from City Hall, such as the provision of new toilet facilities and air conditioning in cabs, are concessions made after sustained pressure from campaign groups. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that drivers should not have to campaign for basic workplace rights.

Manir suggested that the Mayor is hesitant to demand increased funding for driver welfare from Transport for London (TfL) and other bodies. He stated, "It is a funding issue, it’s about protecting budgets and funding and prioritising it elsewhere rather than provide the funding necessary [for this]." TfL has committed to funding an additional 53 toilet blocks across London to ensure suitable facilities are available on every route. Manir, however, considers this number insufficient, stating, "I think the 53 is still insufficient, there’s more to do and more to invest."

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Air Conditioning and Bill of Rights

In addition to toilet facilities, TfL announced in September that all bus driver cabins would be retrofitted with air conditioning. Mayor Khan confirmed in a written answer to the London Assembly that this work would be completed by the end of May 2027. The London Assembly has also urged the Mayor to adopt the Bus Driver Bill of Rights, a proposal that would enshrine basic working conditions into future contracts with bus operators. City Hall has reportedly refused to accept this bill.

Manir expressed disappointment, noting that many drivers had initially hoped for significant improvements when Khan was elected in 2016, given his background. He stated that the current system is designed for profit rather than driver safety. He added, "I’m an actual bus driver, I’m not the son of a bus driver. This is not the same industry that I thought it was going to be 20 years ago when I felt proud to be a bus driver."

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Mayor Khan stated, "I know what a vital role London’s hard-working bus drivers play in keeping the capital moving around the clock, and that’s why I’m working hard to improve bus driver welfare and facilities, including installing modern air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by the end of May 2027 and delivering new toilets for drivers across the capital."