Air con to be installed in all London buses by next summer in victory for striking driversAir con to be installed in every drivers cab after a campaign for better working conditions in heatwaves
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Rachael Burford, Chief Political Correspondent @RachaelBurford1 minute ago
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The Mayor of London has hailed a promise to install air conditioning on all buses in the capital by next year after driver strikes during the sweltering heatwaves.
More than 1,500 Arriva North London bus drivers launched industrial action last month, bringing chaos to the network.
Unite said their members were working in unacceptably high temperatures with their cabs reaching 50C on the hottest days of the year.
The union argued that most London buses have “cheaper and largely ineffective” cooling systems, which take air from outside and circulate it.
Sadiq Khan vowed to do more to help bus drivers suffering in the heat on London buses Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
It lowered temperatures by just two or three degrees during the heatwaves.
On Wednesday it was announced that after negotiations Transport for London (TfL) and the capital’s bus operators have committed to fitting all bus driver cabs with air conditioning by May 2027.
Lord Sadiq Khan said he was “very pleased” that TfL had reached the “ground-breaking agreement” to provide air conditioning.
“This is personal to me. I know just what a vital role London’s hard-working bus drivers play in keeping the capital moving around the clock,” he said.
“I want to thank our bus drivers for all their work keeping London moving during this unprecedented summer of heat.
“It’s great news that TfL have reached this historic agreement to provide air conditioning in every single bus cab.
“We need to look after our customers and our workers.
“As long as I am Mayor, TfL will continue working closely with operators and drivers to deliver further improvements, ensuring London’s bus network remains a safe and supportive place to work for every bus driver, as we build a fairer, safer London for all.”
Bus drivers spoke out about the impact the stifling temperatures had on their health, with some suffering heatstroke, dehydration and fatigue as the temperatures inside their cabs rose to highs of 50 degrees.
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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Inadequate cooling systems in buses have left bus drivers having to endure appalling conditions this summer.
“This concession from TfL is an important win in Unite’s campaign to improve conditions for bus drivers in London and beyond.
“Unite will continue to fight for all bus workers to be kept safe and to be treated with dignity and respect.”
The agreement will also see cabs fitted with UV protective film to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Unite regional officer Nadine Edwards added: “Unite is pleased that there is finally a commitment for meaningful change and it is the culmination of a lot of hard work and campaigning by drivers.
“However, after years of false promises from the bus companies and TfL, Unite will ensure these changes are actually implemented in the timeframe that has been agreed.
“We will not allow bus drivers to suffer through another hot summer.”
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Sadiq KhanNorth Londonair conditioningbus driversTransport For London