An investigation has been launched into a horror cockroach infestation aboard London buses. Drivers claimed the infestation has taken over several routes, with a driver even claiming one landed in their mouth after sipping a drink.
Safety campaigners raised the issue in a letter to bosses, warning that routes 159, 345, and 55 were suffering infestations on the Transport for London (TfL) network. Campaigner Kevin Mustafa told the BBC on Monday the current state was “untenable” for drivers who are reporting “persistent issues with cockroaches and unsanitary conditions”.
He added: “This is not a matter of occasional nuisance. Many drivers describe infestations, and the situation is starting to pose real health, safety and well-being risks.”
Campaigners called for more frequent bus deep cleans, insecticidal and heat treatments, improved vacuuming, and sealed barriers for known hotspots. Drivers also called for pest-control measures.
The London Bus Forums group announced that drivers would march on November 5 to demand safer conditions and to adopt the Bus Drivers Bill of Rights.
It added that the cockroach reports were “not isolated” and pointed to a “wider failure to maintain safe and clean conditions”, adding it was a “public health issue” for staff and passengers.
One driver on the forum claimed that one cockroach had fallen in his drink unseen, and when he took a sip, it landed in his mouth, causing him to vomit.
However, the issue of hygeine on buses has been around far longer. Mr Mustafa claimed a year ago that contracted bus operators were “not cleaning the buses properly” and that he had heard reports about insects on vehicles “at least once a week”.
A TfL spokesperson said: “We are committed to working together with operators to provide a clean environment for staff and customers.
“Most TfL welfare facilities are cleaned multiple times a day, and at a minimum daily, to maintain hygiene and safety standards. All buses are also cleaned every night before entering service and reports such as these are rare.
“We take any report seriously and are urgently investigating the specific incidents that have been raised.”
It said TfL will take “appropriate action” which could mean taking certain buses out of service for inspection, deep cleans and treatment.
It added: “We would like to reassure staff that our operators would never take action against people raising concerns about welfare or safety and encourage any driver with concerns to contact their employer, their union, or contact us directly.”