TRANSPORT FOR LONDON (TfL) must make buses safer for drivers, Unite urged today after five workers died from coronavirus while “heroically” maintaining services in the capital.

TfL has reduced all public-transport services in the city, but some are being maintained to ensure access for NHS staff and other key workers. The operations make contact between the public and drivers inevitable.

The union called on TfL to introduce safety measures such as Perspex screens between drivers and passengers and the deep cleaning of vehicles.

Regional secretary Peter Kavanagh called the deaths a “terrible tragedy” and said that the union will assist the families of their members “in every possible way” during the crisis.

Mr Kavanagh said that the union has been working continuously with TfL and the operators to ensure the safety of drivers and others in the industry who are “performing a heroic job” in getting NHS and care workers to their places of work. 

He said: “These measures include deep cleaning of buses, additional cleaning of touch points, the sealing of screens around the driver, the provision of hand sanitiser for all and placing the passenger seating closest to the driver out of bounds. 

“I have been in direct contact with the Mayor of London, who shares our view that bus drivers must be fully protected. 

“My officers are holding daily meetings with TfL exploring further safety improvements, and we are absolutely committed to doing everything in our power to make the driving of buses safe during this unprecedented crisis.”

Mr Kavanagh said that Unite is also calling on the government to make provisions for personal protective wear for transport workers.

“If any driver has safety concerns, then it is imperative that they inform their employer and Unite representative immediately,” he said. “The union will immediately act on all such concerns.”

Since March 23, London bus services have been reduced and are now similar to the regular Saturday timetable. Night-bus operations are continuing so that vital staff can get to work.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that he was “absolutely devastated” by the deaths, reminding the public that lives depended on people following government rules to stay at home unless travel is essential.