Transport for London (TfL) has introduced new toilet facilities for the six bus routes previously identified as not having facilities at either terminus, continuing its work to improve welfare facilities for London bus drivers.
Temporary facilities are now in place for all six routes, while TfL progresses its wider programme to improve permanent welfare provision across the network.
This latest progress means drivers on these six routes will have improved access to facilities at their termini, rather than needing to rely on facilities mid-route or a short walk away. The six bus routes that now have dedicated toilet facilities are routes 353, 386, 464, N55, N136 and N551.
The work follows TfL’s recent announcement of further investment in bus driver welfare. Since Sadiq became Mayor, TfL has invested a record £24.5m in welfare facilities for bus drivers such as toilets and mess rooms, and now a further £6m is set to be invested this financial year. In total, TfL is planning to build an additional 53 new toilet buildings for bus drivers across the capital over the next three years to further enhance areas of lower provision for drivers.
Since 2016, a record 154 locations have either been refurbished or had a brand-new toilet installed. The Mayor and TfL continue to work closely with bus operators, drivers, Unite the Union and local stakeholders to improve welfare facilities across the capital so that drivers can carry out their vital work safely and comfortably.
Carl Eddleston, TfL’s Director of Streets and Network Operations, said:
“London bus drivers do a vital job keeping the capital moving, and it is important they have access to the facilities they need throughout their working day.
“We’re pleased to be making further progress by providing facilities for these six routes, while continuing our wider programme of investment in bus driver welfare across London. We know there is more to do and this builds on the significant improvements already made and our commitment to provide even better facilities for drivers in the years ahead.”
(File picture – Highways News)
