Commenting on the decision by Transport for London to reinstate fares on some London buses from tomorrow (Saturday 23 May) Unite regional officer John Murphy said:

“Unite’s primary concern throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been about the safety of bus workers. We will be closely monitoring the reintroduction of fares on the capital’s buses to ensure that there is no compromising of their safety whatsoever.

“Unite has been assured fares will only be reintroduced on some routes initially.

“On London buses where the front door is currently sealed for safety reasons, those doors will not re-open until new improved screens are installed surrounding the driver to ensure that their health is fully protected.

“The roll out of the improved safety screens will be gradual, and TfL and the bus operators will not implement it until Unite is satisfied that all safety concerns have been fully resolved.

“It is important to remember the reintroduction of charging on buses has been forced on the Mayor of London as part of the government’s financial support for Transport for London.

“It is imperative that the pay, terms and conditions of bus drivers and London transport workers, who have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, are not at all affected by the strings attached to the government’s financial support.”