Unite the union, which represents over 80,000 bus workers throughout the UK, is cautioning that an increase in bus services must be gradually implemented and that maintaining safety and retaining confidence have to be paramount.

Safety first

Unite made its view known following reports that transport secretary Grant Shapps has said that more buses and trains would run as part of a return to work.

Unite supports an increase in bus journeys providing certain conditions are met. They are:

• The confidence of both workers and passengers is maintained
• Risk assessments are undertaken and fully applied
• Social distancing measures to protect drivers are preserved.

Government discussions

Unite is in regular discussions with the government on these issues.

In particular, the union is very concerned that as passenger numbers increase buses that have been out of service since the beginning of the lockdown will be brought back in to use. Unite has stipulated that before this occurs the full social distancing measures, such as drivers’ protective screens being sealed, seats around the driver being cordoned off and additional measures put in place to ensure drivers do not have to handle cash, are implemented.

London deaths

A further challenge is that in many areas, particularly London, which has seen the tragic deaths of 29 bus workers, is that large numbers of transport workers are currently off sick, isolating or have been furloughed as they or a member of their household is in a vulnerable group. An increase in services would have to reflect the availability of drivers.

Unite is also concerned about overcrowding of buses, especially when entering and exiting, which is an issue major cities. The union believes that strict rules on maximum loading need to be introduced and that where front doors have been closed they should not reopen until further measures are introduced to protect drivers.

Overcrowding concerns

Unite is aware that overcrowding on buses will need to be policed in some way but that must not involve the driver being forced to leave their cab.

Unite also believes that the government must properly utilise purpose-built black cabs (hackney carriages) in its transport plans as they are constructed in such a way that social distancing can be maintained at all times.

Return to work

Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said: “Unite recognises the importance of increasing bus services as more workers return to work.

“The increase in services must be underpinned by safety and maintaining the confidence of bus workers and passengers at all times. Unite is in regular discussions with the government on these issues.

 “It must also be recognised that a considerable number of drivers cannot currently work and that this should not result in the remaining drivers being required to undertake excessive hours, which risk their health and safety.

“The safety and social distancing measures that have been put in place since the COVID-19 crisis began must apply to all buses being brought back into service.

“The government should remember and fully utilise taxis in the return to work. Purpose-built hackney carriages are designed for social distancing and they should play a full role in helping workers to return to work.”