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Demand for taxis and minicabs could rise as result of ongoing London bus strikes says TfL
London bus passengers are braced for further disruption today and over the coming week as fresh bus strikes in a dispute over pay and terms and conditions is called.
The industrial action involves French-owned bus operator RATP and its three London subsidiaries; London United, Quality Line and London Sovereign. In the region of 2,000 bus drivers are involved in the dispute.
The fresh action follows a number of strikes held at the end of February.
In a weekly roundup to taxi and private hire drivers in the capital it was suggested that taxi demand could rise due to the reduced bus service.
Graham Robertson, General Manager of Transport for London (TfL) Taxi & Private Hire, wrote: “It is expected that bus strikes will take place on 5, 6 and 10 March, affecting routes in west, south west and north west London.
“Because of this, there may be an increased demand for taxi and private hire services in the area.”
Further strikes at London Sovereign have been scheduled for 10th and 17th March. With all pupils returning to schools from Monday 8th March, this is expected to cause additional disruption and delays in London.
The London Sovereign dispute involves pay, with RATP offering workers an increase of just 0.75 per cent, well below what other London bus operators have offered drivers.
The London Sovereign strikes will be joined by workers at London United renewing their strike action on 5th and 6th March. The drivers operate routes across South and West London.
Bus drivers on the Quality Line subsidiary, based at its depot in Epsom Surrey, will also be staging strikes on 5th March in a pay dispute.
According to the union the first wave of strike action caused considerable disruption across London.
Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: “Bus drivers at RATP are resolved that attacks on their pay and conditions will be abandoned and that they will secure a meaningful pay rise.
“It is simply disgraceful that RATP is using the cover of COVID-19 to try to force through these cuts.
“London’s bus drivers have kept the city moving through successive lockdowns but have also suffered a terrible penalty, through very high numbers of Covid deaths, as a result of their dedication and sacrifice.
“This strike action is being taken as a last resort. This dispute is a direct result of RATP failing to treat its workers reasonably and fairly.
“RATP is attempting to boost its profits by cutting workers’ pay, either directly or in real terms.
“Further strike action can still be avoided and Unite is prepared to enter into negotiations to resolve this dispute at any time.”
