Bus driver route learning
Request ID: FOI-0198-1819
Date published: 21 May 2018
You asked
Are there any guidelines by TfL to bus operator to ensure a bus driver has route learned. Some operators offer a buddy trainer for the whole day and the buddy trainer is a qualified to teach the bus driver. This no longer happens after privatisation and lack of investment.
Now operators tell drivers to sit in a service bus in their own time to learn the route. This becomes satisfactory for bus operator to say the driver has route learned the route. Without knowing the curtailment points.
1. Are there any specific protocol on driver training on routes? If so what?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0198-1819
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 22 April 2018 asking for information about Bus driver route learning.
Your request has been processed in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. You asked:
Are there any guidelines by TfL to bus operator to ensure a bus driver has route learned. Some operators offer a buddy trainer for the whole day and the buddy trainer is a qualified to teach the bus driver. This no longer happens after privatisation and lack of investment. Now operators tell drivers to sit in a service bus in their own time to learn the route. This becomes satisfactory for bus operator to say the driver has route learned the route. Without knowing the curtailment points.
Are there any specific protocol on driver training on routes? If so what?
TfL does not prescribe exactly how a bus operator arranges training as contractually the employer (bus operator) has to provide relevant training but they would choose the exact method of delivery. There are several legal requirements and clearly any breaches should be raised using appropriate channels.
Such matters should be taken up with driver’s local Trade Union official, if they feel their employer (bus operator) has not provided a satisfactory response to their concern.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Melissa Nichols
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
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