Request ID: FOI-1142-2425 Date published: 31 July 2024
You asked
We are currently looking at falls and talking to residents of Tower Hamlets about their experiences to find out what support is available and how they maintain their independence, health and wellbeing. Some of the following issues were identified and raised when talking to people. Any insight shared on these would be most helpful for us to understand the challenges and demands faced by TfL and any areas you have made improvements or are working towards:-1. Passengers getting on and off buses and drivers allowing enough time for them to be seated before driving off- what is your strategy on training bus drivers?2. People falling on and off buses - do you have any data related to incidents in Tower Hamlets reported over the last 1-2 years and what actions were taken following these?3. Cycle lanes in Tower Hamlets are an issue for people with mobility issues and those hard of hearing or partially sighted – what is being done to ensure people can cross safely when getting on and off buses? Are there any plans to introduce traffic light systems on cycle routes or clear signage alerting people in advance of the lanes?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1142-2425 Thank you for your request which we received on 4 July 2024. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You specifically asked: We are currently looking at falls and talking to residents of Tower Hamlets about their experiences to find out what support is available and how they maintain their independence, health and wellbeing. Some of the following issues were identified and raised when talking to people. Any insight shared on these would be most helpful for us to understand the challenges and demands faced by TfL and any areas you have made improvements or are working towards:- 1. Passengers getting on and off buses and drivers allowing enough time for them to be seated before driving off- what is your strategy on training bus drivers? 2. People falling on and off buses - do you have any data related to incidents in Tower Hamlets reported over the last 1-2 years and what actions were taken following these? 3. Cycle lanes in Tower Hamlets are an issue for people with mobility issues and those hard of hearing or partially sighted – what is being done to ensure people can cross safely when getting on and off buses? Are there any plans to introduce traffic light systems on cycle routes or clear signage alerting people in advance of the lanes? Our answers to the three questions you have asked are as follows:
Travelling by bus is the safest form of road transport. However, we are dedicated to improving safety further as part of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and our own “Vision Zero”, in which we aim for zero deaths or serious injury on London’s roads by 2041. Even more ambitiously, we aim for no one to be killed on or by a bus by 2030. Our research shows that bus occupants (including the driver) account for the highest proportion of serious injuries so we have a dedicated workstream to target these incidents. We regularly undertake a variety of engagement activities with disability advocacy groups to understand the concerns and challenges faced by these passengers when travelling by bus in London. This has provided us with good insight into the issues and improvement opportunity ideas to ensure that buses are accessible and safe for all passengers. All drivers are tested, as part of the DVLA PCV (passenger carrying vehicles) test on consideration for the safety and comfort of their passengers. This is especially important when moving off from or approaching a stop. In addition to this, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training for bus drivers emphasises the importance of waiting for vulnerable passengers to be safely seated before moving off. Bus driver training is also being enhanced to cover how bus driver behaviour and driving styles can affect passengers and contribute to injury. Our 2023 Bus Safety Innovation Challenge is focused on reducing occupant injuries on London buses and is fully funded by TfL. This involves working with operators and innovators in the field to shortlist, trial and fully evaluate pioneering technologies. These include trialling audible and visual cues aimed at influencing customer behaviour, as well as introducing more lighting and potential seating options.
Please find the data extract for Tower Hamlets between the 1st April 2022 & 18th July 2024. The data pertains to Slip Trips Falls incidents flagged as occurring during boarding or alighting of buses in the borough. Please note we are unable to comment on specific actions taken for Tower Hamlets; please refer to our answer above relating to training imparted to bus drivers.
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Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
