Cockroach Infestations Hit London Buses

London bus drivers are raising the alarm over cockroach infestations on several routes, saying the issue is far more widespread than reported — and that it is posing a real health risk for both drivers and passengers.

Images and videos shared with campaigners and the London Bus Forums group show cockroaches crawling across seats, floor panels, and even inside drivers' rest areas and food containers. In one particularly shocking case, a driver on route 159 described how a cockroach ended up in their mouth during a break.

“I went to take a sip from my drink and felt something in my mouth,” the driver recalled. “I spat it out and saw it was a cockroach. I felt sick and ended up vomiting.”

The affected vehicle, known as LT160, has reportedly had recurring pest problems, but was repeatedly put back into service after standard checks.

Routes 159, 345, and 55 have been specifically named by drivers as having issues. Campaigners believe this is not an isolated problem but evidence of a deeper failure in how the bus fleet is maintained.

“This is not a matter of occasional nuisance — many drivers describe infestations,” said Kevin Mustafa, a prominent bus safety campaigner. “The current state is untenable for drivers who already face demanding working conditions.” He added that swift and transparent action is needed to restore trust, protect driver wellbeing, and maintain public confidence in London’s bus system.

Transport for London (TfL), which oversees over 8,700 buses on 675 routes, says all buses are cleaned nightly and welfare facilities are maintained daily or more frequently. “Reports such as these are rare,” said a TfL spokesperson, adding: “We are committed to working together with operators to provide a clean environment for staff and customers.” TfL has launched an urgent investigation and says it will take necessary actions including pulling buses out of service for deep cleans and treatment with specialist equipment if required.

But the London Bus Forums group insists that more must be done. “These cockroach reports are not isolated. They reflect a broader failure to maintain safe and sanitary conditions for bus drivers,” a spokesperson said. “This is a public health issue affecting both staff and passengers.”

Drivers are planning a march on 5th November, calling for improved conditions and the formal adoption of the Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights. Among the demands are the right to safe work schedules without forced overtime, clean and serviced rest facilities on all routes, and the ability to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Campaigners are also calling for more frequent deep cleans, heat treatments, targeted insecticide use, and sealed barriers in known problem areas.

While TfL says it takes all reports seriously and encourages staff to raise concerns, drivers remain frustrated. With five million journeys made on London buses daily, campaigners argue it’s time hygiene is treated as a priority — not an afterthought.