How Many Hours Do London Bus Drivers Work?

By Anna Duncan

As one of the busiest cities in the world, London has a vast network of public transport to cater to its ever-growing population. The iconic red buses are an integral part of London’s transportation system and play a crucial role in connecting the city’s different neighborhoods.

But have you ever wondered how many hours do London bus drivers work? Let’s take a closer look.

Working Hours of London Bus Drivers

In general, London bus drivers work an average of 38 hours per week, spread over five days. However, this can vary depending on the shift pattern and type of service they are assigned to. Bus drivers who operate on busy routes or night shifts may have longer working hours than those on quieter routes or day shifts.

Shift patterns

London bus drivers work in a variety of shift patterns, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. These shifts are designed to ensure that there is always a driver available to operate the buses throughout the day and night.

  • Early morning shift: This shift typically starts at around 4 am and finishes by midday.
  • Late morning shift: This shift usually starts from around 8 am and finishes by late afternoon.
  • Late afternoon/evening: This shift usually starts from around midday and finishes by late evening.
  • Night shift: This is the longest shift and usually starts from around 10 pm or later and lasts until early morning.

Working conditions

Working as a bus driver in London can be both rewarding and challenging. The job requires excellent driving skills, patience, and good customer service skills. Bus drivers must navigate through heavy traffic while ensuring passenger safety, providing assistance when needed, collecting fares, and keeping to tight schedules.

Moreover, bus driving can be a physically demanding job, as drivers have to sit for long hours in a confined space and operate large vehicles. To ensure that drivers are comfortable during their shifts, most London buses are equipped with air conditioning, ergonomic seats, and other features to make the ride smoother.

Salary

London bus drivers are well-paid compared to their counterparts in other cities. According to Transport for London (TfL), the starting salary for a bus driver is around £26,000 per annum. Experienced drivers can earn up to £35,000 per annum or more depending on their shift pattern and type of service.

Conclusion

In summary, London bus drivers work an average of 38 hours per week spread over five days. They work in a variety of shift patterns depending on the route and type of service they are assigned to. Bus driving can be both rewarding and challenging, but it’s an essential job that keeps London moving.