Dozens of cockroaches were spotted on a bus in north London by a shocked bus driver. The driver described the insects crawling all over the place, particularly at the back of an Arriva bus. Despite attempting to eliminate some of the vermin by stomping on them, he was unable to get rid of all of them.
A video taken at the Arriva Tottenham Bus Garage in Phillip Lane highlighted a larger issue with cockroaches infesting London buses, according to another driver who spoke anonymously to the paper. This problem was initially brought to light in a story published by The Telegraph in January, which revealed that drivers were being asked to work on buses infested with cockroaches and faulty equipment.
Although Arriva claimed that buses are cleaned daily and Transport for London (TfL) encouraged drivers to raise concerns, one bus driver stated that his complaints were dismissed. He mentioned having experienced cockroaches climbing up his legs and windowsill, causing distraction and potential danger due to a loss of concentration.
The driver also criticized the overall poor cleaning standards of London buses, stating that despite efforts to sterilize buses daily during the pandemic, there has been a significant decline in cleanliness since then. Issues at the Tottenham bus garage have raised concerns among colleagues, with multiple instances of cockroach infestations reported.
In addition to the cockroach problem, London buses are facing other cleanliness issues and a lack of appropriate air conditioning or fans on hot summer days. The driver expressed concern over driving buses that are not fit for service, emphasizing the need for improved cleaning practices.
Arriva London Bus responded by stating that buses undergo thorough nightly cleaning and regular deep-cleans, with immediate action taken if any issues are reported. TfL’s head of buses business development echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to providing a clean environment for staff and passengers.
Reports of insects on buses are rare, but when raised, appropriate action is taken, including inspections, deep cleaning, and treatment with specialist equipment if necessary. Operators are encouraged to address any concerns raised by staff or the public promptly to ensure the safety and welfare of all passengers and employees. Staff are reassured that raising concerns will not lead to any repercussions and are encouraged to contact their employer, union, or TfL directly with any issues.