Request ID: FOI-3943-2324 Date published: 21 February 2024
You asked
Hello,
I want to know if their has ever been a directive to London bus drivers to skip certain bus stops to keep closer to the bus schedule. If drivers are running behind, do they ever skip a stop to get closer to time?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3943-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 1st February 2024 asking for information about buses missing stops. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“I want to know if their has ever been a directive to London bus drivers to skip certain bus stops to keep closer to the bus schedule. If drivers are running behind, do they ever skip a stop to get closer to time?”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
Bus services in London are operated by private companies under contract with TfL. I can confirm that TfL has not issued any directives to bus companies instructing them to skip stops to keep closer to the timetable. Further, there is no such instruction within the contracts with bus operators nor in the Big Red Book (the manual provided to bus drivers with guidance and instructions on carrying out their role). The directive in the Big Red Book states the following:
'Stop at any stop on your route if someone is waiting by, sitting down or has signalled to you. Slow down while approaching the stop to check there are no customers waiting. If there is any doubt, stop. Look out for older and disabled customers, especially blind and partially sighted people. Remember that not all impairments or conditions can be seen.'
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 as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
