Transport for London (TfL) is to fund 53 additional toilet blocks for London bus drivers over the next three years.
The programme is intended to ensure there are “suitable toilet facilities for drivers on every route”, according to TfL.
Six routes have no terminus facilities
TfL said six London bus routes currently have no toilet facilities at either terminus. A further 10 routes have toilets at one terminus, but they may not be accessible throughout the full operating day.
The organisation said most of the capital’s almost 700 bus routes have toilets at one or both ends of the route. It is working with stakeholders to agree locations for facilities on the six routes without them.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said TfL was “working at pace” to install the “essential facilities”.
Carl Eddleston, from TfL, said drivers “rightly expect” to have access to toilets.
“We’ll continue to work closely with operators, drivers and trade unions to ensure that everyone can work safely and comfortably on our bus network,” he said.
Union calls for round-the-clock access
Unite regional officer John Murphy described the plan as a significant step towards improving driver welfare, but said more action was needed.
“All London bus drivers should have reasonable access to toilets 24 hours a day, all-year-round. Unite will continue to campaign until this happens,” he said.