The T&G union has defended the behaviour of London bus drivers after a report by the London Assembly committee showed complaints against drivers have trebled in the past four years.
The committee said that 43,000 complaints had been registered about how the buses were driven – 80% of which were attributed directly to the behaviour of the driver.
T&G regional secretary, Eddie McDermott, said proper recognition should be given to the way bus drivers were often regarded “as the lowest of the low” by the travelling public.
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“Our drivers are in the front-line every day for verbal abuse and physical assaults from some passengers, as well as having to deal with inconsiderate road users, road works and congestion, yet are still under pressure to deliver service with a smile,” he said.
McDermott said Transport for London, which runs the buses, should invest in more training for bus drivers and this should be backed by the London Assembly.
