Bus drivers are set to rally outside Transport for London’s headquarters today as part of a campaign calling for stronger protections around safety, fatigue and working conditions.
The rally is due to take place at 11am today, Friday 1 May 2026, outside TfL HQ at Palestra House, Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NJ.
Campaigners are calling for a Bus Driver’s Bill of Rights to be written into London bus contracts, arguing that key protections for drivers should be formally recognised across the network.
The campaign says the issue is not only about London bus drivers, but about bus drivers across the country who face similar pressures around fatigue, rest breaks, vehicle conditions and access to proper facilities.
Bus driver rally calls for stronger safety protections
The proposed Bus Driver’s Bill of Rights includes calls for safe work schedules without forced overtime or loss of pay, proper rest breaks during the working day, safe and well-maintained vehicles, and clean toilet and rest facilities on all bus routes.
It also calls for drivers to be able to report safety concerns without fear of retribution from TfL or employers.
Campaigners are also calling for drivers who are seriously ill and covered by a doctor’s note not to be pressured into returning to work before they are fit to do so.
Other demands include relevant and timely safety training, clearly displayed written company rules, working air cooling in bus cabs during summer, working heaters during winter, and the right for drivers to be treated with dignity and respect by employers, TfL and the public.
The campaign also says drivers should not be forced to answer radio messages or texts from controllers while the vehicle is in motion.
Supporters argue that fatigue and poor working conditions are safety issues which affect drivers, passengers and other road users.
The rally poster states: “Safe drivers, safe buses, safe communities everywhere.”
Bus drivers outside London are being encouraged to support the rally by sharing the campaign online using the hashtag #BackLondonDrivers.
A petition has also been launched calling on the Mayor of London to write the Bus Driver’s Bill of Rights into bus contracts.
The petition can be found here:
https://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-london-write-the-bus-drivers-bill-of-rights-into-bus-contracts-now
London Bus Forums will continue to follow the campaign and any developments from today’s rally.
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