I wish to know the following information regarding the control of passenger numbers on TFL Buses: PASSENGER NUMBERS ON TFL BUSES 1. Are there any directions and instructions in place to TFL drivers as to how many passengers may be permitted to board TFL buses at any one time during the Coronavirus outbreak? 2. If so, how are such directions and instructions enforced by TFL regarding TFL drivers? 3. If so, what are the texts of such directions and instructions? 4. If so, when were such directions and instructions issued by TFL? 5. If so, how were such directions and instructions communicated by TFL to its bus drivers?

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Our ref: FOI-1276-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 5 October 2020 asking for information about bus passengers numbers on TfL buses.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our Information Access Policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you requested. You asked:

1. Are there any directions and instructions in place to TfL bus drivers as to how many passengers may be permitted to board TfL buses at any one time during the Coronavirus outbreak?

2. If so, how are such directions and instructions enforced by TfL regarding TfL drivers?

3. If so, what are the texts of such directions and instructions?

4. If so, when were the directions and instructions issued by TfL?

5. If so, how were such directions and instructions communicated by TfL to its bus drivers?

Please find attached the main guidance issued to our drivers from early July which reflects the Government’s social distancing requirements for public transport across the UK. This was shared with all our contracted bus operators so they could cascade to their drivers. We also engaged with the public using marketing and communications so potential bus customers were aware of lockdown changes in advance. As the London bus fleet is made up of a mix of single and double deck vehicles, the advisory seating capacities vary with the different seating layouts on board. While bus drivers can direct the public about how to board and alight, they do not have enforcement powers and rely on engagement and passenger goodwill to adhere to these recommended capacities and wearing of face coverings.

To support bus drivers in this difficult task, we have posters on board about social distancing and signs drivers can put in the window when the bus is full. Drivers also have pre-recorded messages on the iBus system they can play if they feel passengers are not socially distancing enough and can make ad hoc announcements on the vehicle’s public address system. You’ll note from the attached literature that we are collecting data on locations where there are issues with boarding numbers and face covering compliance. This is consolidated so that we deploy our enforcement officers to the locations where we have the greatest issues and the biggest difference can be made. We are also being assisted by police officers who are also supervising some transport hubs. To date, around 111,000 people have been challenged by our enforcement officers from getting on public transport services and a similar amount of police officer engagement has taken place with members of the public using our services.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London

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