All London buses to get air conditioning under ‘groundbreaking’ agreement

Every bus driver's cab in London will be fitted with air conditioning next year under a “groundbreaking” agreement.

The announcement on Wednesday followed recent industrial action by members of Unite in protest of working conditions during the recent heatwaves.

The union, the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) said the installation of air conditioning will be completed by the end of May 2027, following work by a taskforce on how to improve working conditions for drivers during periods of extreme weather.

Mayor of London Lord Sadiq Khan said: “This is personal to me. I know just what a vital role London’s hard-working bus drivers play in keeping the capital moving around the clock. I want to thank our bus drivers for all their work keeping London moving during this unprecedented summer of heat.

“It’s great news that TfL have reached this historic agreement to provide air conditioning in every single bus cab. We need to look after our customers and our workers.

“The new taskforce has made excellent progress and demonstrates what can be delivered through collaborative working with trade unions.

“As long as I am mayor, TfL will continue working closely with operators and drivers to deliver further improvements, ensuring London’s bus network remains a safe and supportive place to work for every bus driver, as we build a fairer, safer London for all.”

Lorna Murphy, TfL’s director of buses, said: “We recognise how challenging recent weather conditions have been for drivers and remain fully committed to maintaining momentum as this taskforce develops immediate improvements and longer-term solutions that will help futureproof London’s bus network for the years ahead.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Inadequate cooling systems in buses have left bus drivers having to endure appalling conditions this summer.

“This concession from TfL is an important win in Unite’s campaign to improve conditions for bus drivers in London and beyond.

“Unite will continue to fight for all bus workers to be kept safe and to be treated with dignity and respect.”

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Everyone should be safe at work, but that wasn’t the case for bus drivers in this summer’s heatwaves.

“By keeping drivers safe, bus passengers and other road users will be protected too.

“The Government should now urgently review the wider changes needed to adapt the UK for hotter summers.”