First bus driver slams 'uncleanliness' of cabs and appeals for better hygiene during coronavirus pandemic

The employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, has spoken about how they have to clean the cab themselves before every shift, and each time have been left with ‘one or two filthy wipes’ every time.

They claim that this happens despite managers at First having ‘personally told staff’ that every cab would be ‘deep cleaned’ during the pandemic.

In spite of this, employees fear for their health as they say they spend ‘eight to ten hours a day in dirty drivers’ cabs.’

One driver said: “Since the outbreak of this virus our Managing Director has personally told us not to panic as he has told the contracted cleaners to deep clean every drivers cab.

“This has not happened. Every single day I am still wiping down everything I need to touch within our driver’s cab. On a normal working day I always end up with one or two filthy wipes after I'm finished.

“We have drivers going off ill on a daily basis and others are self-isolating due to the fear for their health.

“I have a family so I cannot afford to self-isolate.

“I fear that I will catch this virus due to the uncleanliness of our drivers’ cabs and feel that we are being forgotten about from higher above during this pandemic.”

During the coronavirus lockdown bus companies in South Yorkshire have been operating reduced timetables, with services put on to enable key workers to do their jobs.

A spokesperson for First South Yorkshire said: “We have introduced an enhanced cleaning regime on our buses which includes the cab area and regular disinfection of all hand rails and poles, entrance door handles, window ledges and other touchpoints.

“Our drivers also have access to gloves and hand sanitiser and we are encouraging good hand hygiene with all employees.

“We believe the measures we have in place ensures a high level of cleanliness and are in line with practices across the bus industry.”