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London bus drivers rally amid rising cockroach infestations and safety concerns

Friday, 7 November 2025 5:08AM UTC

London bus drivers are protesting over worsening working conditions and significant cockroach infestations across multiple routes, highlighting urgent calls for reform in safety, sanitation, and scheduling standards within the city’s bus network.

A London bus driver has recounted a distressing encounter with a cockroach crawling onto his hand while driving, highlighting broader concerns about sanitation and working conditions among London bus workers. Dylan Carroll, who drives the 20 route from Walthamstow to Loughton, described the incident as "horrifying" and admitted it has caused him ongoing anxiety. Carroll, who is also the founder of the London Bus Forums, immediately reported the event, fearing that the pests might have infested his personal belongings. This encounter has become a symbol of a larger campaign demanding better conditions for bus drivers, including a proposed 'bill of rights' to be embedded in Transport for London's (TfL) contracts with outsourced bus operators.

The issue of cockroach infestations is not isolated, with multiple bus routes reportedly affected. Routes such as the 159, 345, and 55, managed out of garages like Battersea and Leyton, have seen infestations that extend beyond drivers’ cabs to rest areas, and even to drivers finding cockroaches in their drinks during breaks. Photos and videos documenting the presence of these pests on seats and in driver rest areas have been circulated publicly, amplifying the urgency of the problem. Drivers have described the infestations as a serious public health concern, urging TfL and bus operators to implement professional fumigation and stringent pest control measures immediately, alongside suspending any buses found to be infested until they are fully cleared.

Beyond pest problems, bus drivers have voiced broader frustrations about their working conditions, which they say have progressively deteriorated and are directly impacting safety. One of the stark issues raised is the practice of requiring drivers to start shifts only 10 hours after finishing their previous ones, a schedule they argue leads to fatigue and is a critical factor in the recent spike in bus-related collisions. In 2024 alone, there have been 13 fatalities involving London buses, the highest since 2012. Drivers’ demands also include guarantees for adequate rest breaks, clean and serviced toilets on all routes, and improvements to working environments such as cab air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter.

The call for improved conditions culminated recently in a protest, where around 200 bus drivers marched from Islington Green to TfL’s headquarters in Southwark. They articulated 12 key demands focusing on worker safety, sanitation, and fair scheduling, supported by a petition that has garnered over 27,000 signatures. The union Unite has been prominent in representing driver concerns, linking poor facilities and exploitative work patterns to the increased risk on London's roads.

Former driver Kevin Mustafa, who worked on the 284 route between Cockfosters and Edgware, went as far as to label the London bus industry "institutionally unsafe." He cited fatigued drivers operating under unreasonable conditions and the poor maintenance of vehicles, with some buses unfit to be on the road. Mustafa also pointed out the disparity in attention and investment from TfL, suggesting underground services receive priority over bus services that are outsourced to private operators, which exacerbates the neglect experienced by bus drivers.

In response to these mounting concerns and the recent protest, TfL has acknowledged the seriousness of the complaints and stated its commitment to improving conditions. Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, told MyLondon that the company takes driver safety and welfare seriously and requires operators to meet high standards. She emphasised that reports from drivers are fully investigated and reassured staff that no action would be taken against those raising welfare concerns. TfL confirmed it is working on measures to ensure fair work schedules, safe vehicles, and adequate facilities for bus staff, while also pledging to consider proposals for further improvements carefully.

As London’s bus drivers continue their campaign for cleaner, safer, and more humane working conditions, the intersection of pest infestations, inadequate rest facilities, and demanding work schedules reveals a pressing need for structural reforms. For a network critical to the capital’s daily functioning, the well-being of those behind the wheel is increasingly recognised as essential not only for the drivers themselves but for the safety of the millions who rely on London buses every day.

📌 Reference Map:

^[1] (MyLondon) - Paragraphs 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
^[2] (The Independent) - Paragraph 2
^[3] (London Bus Forums) - Paragraph 2
^[4] (BBC News) - Paragraph 2
^[5] (Evening Standard) - Paragraph 3
^[6] (GB News) - Paragraph 2
^[7] (London Daily News) - Paragraph 2

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.mylondon.news/news/transport/london-bus-driver-describes-horrifying-32818628 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-bus-cockroach-infestations-campaigners-change-b2844198.html - London bus drivers have reported cockroach infestations on several routes, urging Transport for London (TfL) to address the issue. Images and videos show pests in seat upholstery and driver rest areas. Buses on routes 159, 345, and 55 have been identified as affected. Drivers have found cockroaches in their drinks during breaks, leading to health concerns. TfL states that such instances are rare and is investigating the reports. The London Bus Forum calls for immediate action to restore trust and ensure safety.
https://www.londonbusforums.co.uk/news/london-bus-cockroach-infestation/ - Multiple London bus routes, including 159, 345, and 55, have reported cockroach infestations, raising hygiene and safety concerns. Drivers have found cockroaches in their drinks and on seats. The London Bus Forum highlights the issue as a public health concern and calls for immediate intervention from TfL and bus operators. Drivers demand professional fumigation, stricter pest control measures, and suspension of infested buses until cleared. TfL has acknowledged the situation and launched an investigation.
https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/articles/cwynyq3vv34o - London bus drivers have reported cockroach infestations on several buses and in rest areas, prompting calls for immediate action. Images and videos show cockroaches on buses and in eating areas. Bus safety campaigners have written to transport bosses highlighting the problem. Transport for London (TfL) says such instances are rare and has launched an urgent investigation.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/london-bus-drivers-toilets-rest-breaks-sweltering-cabs-unite-union-protest-b1192153.html - Approximately 200 London bus drivers protested at TfL's headquarters, highlighting poor working conditions that they say increase road danger risks. They marched to demand action on the lack of toilets at bus route ends, inadequate rest facilities, and uncomfortable cab temperatures. The union Unite, representing many drivers, states that these cumulative issues lead to driver fatigue, believed to be an underlying cause in several bus-related road crashes.
https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/london-buses-infested-cockroaches-drivers - London bus drivers have claimed that cockroach infestations plague buses, with photo evidence showing insects on seats. Drivers describe encountering the insects regularly during their shifts, with the problem extending beyond isolated incidents to what they characterise as widespread contamination. The situation has prompted calls from the London Bus Forum for immediate intervention from transport authorities.
https://www.londondaily.news/london-buses-affected-by-cockroach-infestations-drivers-call-for-action/ - A growing public health concern is emerging across London’s red bus network, as drivers report widespread cockroach infestations on vehicles and in staff rest areas. These conditions have raised significant concerns among transport workers, who are calling for immediate action from Transport for London (TfL) and private bus operators. The issue came to light after images and videos showing cockroaches on bus seats, floors, and inside drivers’ personal belongings circulated online.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being 13 October 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, similar reports have appeared across multiple outlets, including the BBC and The Independent, indicating widespread coverage of the issue. ([feeds.bbci.co.uk](https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/articles/cwynyq3vv34o?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that while the content is fresh, it has been widely disseminated. No significant discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The direct quote from Dylan Carroll, "horrifying," matches the language used in other reports, indicating potential reuse. Variations in wording were noted across different outlets, suggesting some paraphrasing. No online matches were found for the exact phrasing, indicating potential originality or exclusivity.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from MyLondon, a local news outlet. While it provides detailed coverage, its reputation is less established compared to major national outlets. The London Bus Forums, cited within the report, are a niche platform focused on bus-related issues, which may limit their broader credibility. The involvement of Transport for London (TfL) adds a level of authority, but their statements are based on internal investigations, which may not be independently verified.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims of cockroach infestations on London buses are corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including the BBC and The Independent. The narrative includes specific details about affected routes and driver experiences, enhancing its credibility. The call for improved working conditions aligns with ongoing discussions about driver welfare. The tone and language used are consistent with typical reporting on such issues, with no signs of sensationalism or inconsistency.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents a recent and plausible account of cockroach infestations on London buses, supported by multiple sources. While the source's reliability is moderate, the corroboration from other reputable outlets and the detailed nature of the report lend it credibility. The involvement of TfL and the London Bus Forums adds depth to the narrative. However, the widespread coverage and potential reuse of quotes suggest a need for cautious interpretation.

London buses
Worker safety
Public health