A cockroach infestation has been reported across several London bus routes, prompting serious concerns about hygiene and working conditions. Buses on routes 159 and 345, both operated by Transport UK, and route 55, operated by Stagecoach London, have been identified by staff as infested, with complaints growing in frequency and urgency.
One recent incident involved a driver on route 159 who discovered a cockroach in their drink during a break. The driver, who has asked to remain anonymous due to strict company social media policies, described the experience in a video recorded inside the affected vehicle.
“I went to take a sip from my drink and felt something in my mouth,” the driver said. “I spat it out and saw it was a cockroach. I felt sick and ended up vomiting.”
The bus involved, LT160, is based at Battersea Garage and has reportedly been flagged multiple times for pest issues. Despite repeated complaints, it has been returned to service each time after passing standard engineering checks. The driver said this has become a pattern.
“They keep putting it back on the road and telling us it’s fit for service.”
Photographs taken by bus drivers show cockroaches hiding under seat cushions, inside fabric seams, and along floor panels. Several were taken on route 345, also operated by Transport UK, suggesting the issue may extend beyond a single vehicle or depot.
Image © London Bus Forums
Image © London Bus Forums
Drivers on route 55, managed by Stagecoach London, have also begun reporting sightings. Although no formal public statement has been issued by the company, internal discussions suggest an increase in complaints from staff regarding pest presence and poor cleaning standards.
Image © London Bus Forums
One driver familiar with the situation described the work environment as unsafe.
“We’re expected to rest and eat on these buses during breaks. It’s unhygienic and degrading.”
Transport workers across the affected routes are calling for immediate action, including professional fumigation of infested vehicles, stricter pest control measures at garages, and the suspension of any buses identified with infestations until fully cleared.
At the time of publication, neither Transport UK nor Stagecoach London had issued a statement in response to the reports. Transport for London has also not commented, despite mounting concerns about passenger safety and driver welfare.
As drivers continue to come forward with evidence, calls are growing for a full inspection of cleaning standards across the city’s bus network.
