Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig has spoken out about claims of safety problems on Bee Network bus services after whistleblowers warned a driver or passenger could be 'seriously' hurt.
As the M.E.N. has previously reported, multiple drivers have claimed that buses are as hot as 'saunas' in summer without air conditioning, putting them at risk of 'passing out' on shift. There have also been allegations made that bus defects are not being properly fixed.
Mayor's response to resident's concerns
The Manchester Evening News has been reporting on the concerns since June. Mayor Bev Craig was quizzed on the claims on the BBC Radio Manchester hot seat on Thursday.
A resident in Wigan messaged the show to ask the mayor for her views about 'dangerous Bee Network buses' on roads in the region. The resident said: “I’ve been on a few recently with faults, I report them on social media but nothing seems to get done.”
Bev Craig said: “If you spot something dangerous on the Bee Network let us know through social media or report it via the Bee Network website.
“We’ve had other stories as well around drivers in the heat and being able to make sure that our buses are modern and up to standard.
“The new buses that we’ve been rolling out, we’ve had over 150 new buses and another 400 on order, we’re starting to see the quality of them improve, and I think the newer the buses are the better they are, but if you see something report it and we can get on it.”
Operator assurances and government statement
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said earlier this week that it is seeking 'additional assurances' from Bee Network bus operators about vehicle safety and driver welfare, and that it is in talks with trade unions over the issues.
The government has also issued a statement about the situation on Greater Manchester’s buses, urging bus operators to make sure vehicles are safe.
Alison Chew, TfGM’s bus network director, said on Monday: “Safety and staff wellbeing is a top priority for the Bee Network and something we discuss regularly with operators and unions – and we have sought additional assurances from operators about their staff welfare and vehicle maintenance procedures and policies in light of the allegations.
“All our buses are required by law to meet strict safety standards and undergo regular maintenance and testing. We are investing heavily in a new, modern fleet of electric buses that are better equipped for extreme hot weather.
“We encourage drivers to report any concerns they have either to their manager, through the confidential reporting system that Bee Network operators are signed up to, or to TfGM.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "It’s important public transport workers are protected from extreme temperatures, both for their health and wellbeing and for the safety of passengers and road users."
"Public transport operators have a legal responsibility to make sure their vehicles and workplaces are safe for staff, including during extreme heat."
