Fight Fatigue Now

Bus driver fatigue in London is putting passengers, pedestrians and workers at risk

After months of consultation by Unite involving thousands of bus drivers across London, the impact of fatigue is undeniable: it is time for Transport for London and bus operators to act.

Fatigue causes a higher risk of accidents such as bus crashes. Factors that lead to fatigue include long shifts, insufficient rest time and breaks and inadequate running times resulting in drivers undertaking overtime to complete journeys.

Unite regional officer Nadine Edwards said: “The impact of fatigue on London bus drivers is undeniable and needs to be urgently acted on. Previous action that has been taken by TfL and the bus companies has been pitiful – to the point where the situation has got worse."

Unite’s main campaign demands

• Introduce fatigue management into the TfL buses, for example stop disciplining drivers for fatigue, and agreements for drivers who currently have to drive the bus in heatwaves with no air-con.
• Establish consistency across scheduling and rosters, such as a minimum of 12 hour breaks between duties and consistent start times to combat fatigue.
• Improve rest, toilet and welfare facilities, Unite's poll found 52 per cent of London bus drivers had poor facilities at work, yet some drivers still have breaks by the side of the road.

“Actual change will only come about from listening to bus drivers who experience this day in day out. TfL and the bus companies must work with Unite to implement our demands, otherwise this situation will continue to put workers and the public at risk.” added Nadine Edwards. 

Landmark survey

A landmark survey by Unite, the UK's leading union, has laid bare the impact of bus driver fatigue in London, which is putting workers, passengers and pedestrians at risk.

Unite surveyed its London bus driver members, receiving over 2,000 responses. It found over a third (36 per cent) of drivers have experienced sleepiness while driving two or three times a week, while 24 per cent had this happen once a week.

Disturbingly, almost half (48 per cent) have had a 'close call' due to fatigue in the past 12 months. Check out the full press release: London bus driver fatigue putting drivers and public at risk

It's time to protect and respect bus drivers

Press coverage

• ‘I was so tired driving a bus it became dangerous – and someone was injured’ – Metro – April 2026 -
• 'So fatigued they are falling asleep at the wheel': Calls to improve bus driver conditions – ITN News – April 2026

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