Cockroach Infestation Reported on London Buses Across Multiple Routes

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.”

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🚨 URGENT: Cockroach Infestations on London Buses Reports from drivers and passengers show live cockroaches found inside drinks and vehicles. This is a public health issue that demands immediate action. @bbcnews @skynews @itvnews @c4news @tfl @thelndstandard @metrouk @guardian #LondonBus #TfL #Cockroach #BusDriver #UKNews #ViralVideo 📲 Share to spread awareness.
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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.

Red double-decker London bus on route 345 to Peckham, parked at a bus stop with passengers nearby. — Route 345, operated by Transport UK (formerly Abellio), is one of the routes where cockroach infestations have been repeatedly reported.
Image © London Bus Forums

London double-decker bus on route 159 to Oxford Circus, operated by Transport UK. — A route 159 bus on London’s streets. Vehicle LT160 from this route was the focus of a driver’s video documenting a cockroach in their drink.
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.

Red double-decker bus on route 55 to Oxford Circus, operated by Stagecoach London. — Route 55, operated by Stagecoach London, is the latest route where drivers have reported cockroach sightings, raising concerns across the network.
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.