Mayor, TfL and Unite reach groundbreaking agreement to install air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by the end of May 2027

The Mayor of London, TfL and Unite the Union have reached a groundbreaking agreement to install air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by the end of May 2027. The agreement forms a key part of the work of the ‘Extreme Weather Taskforce’, which brings together representatives from Transport for London (TfL), Unite the Union, London's bus operators and the Greater London Authority to improve working conditions for drivers during periods of extreme weather.  

The taskforce was created in response to increasingly frequent extreme weather, with a shared ambition to improve working conditions for drivers and help futureproof London's bus network. It has established a comprehensive programme of work, focused on both immediate mitigations and longer-term solutions, reflecting the commitment of the group to work collaboratively and at pace. 

New buses entering the fleet are subject to much more rigorous air conditioning and ventilation standards than older vehicles, which were purchased when the extreme heat seen this summer was less frequent. The taskforce has been working to understand how best to retrofit older buses with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems more widely across the bus fleet. The taskforce has agreed plans to retrofit all bus driver cabins that do not currently meet the latest modern specifications by the end of May 2027.

Significant progress has already been made with the successful retrofitting of the driver’s cab of a New Routemaster bus with the latest modern ventilation and air conditioning.  The bus is currently being trialled in service with encouraging feedback from drivers. The vehicle has also been tested in formal laboratory conditions to test its performance under extreme heat conditions. The trial is central to informing how

modern specifications could be delivered across other bus types in London's fleet. A second New Routemaster bus has also been retrofitted with a different system of the same upgraded specification, so that a robust supply chain can be established that can meet the demands of retrofitting the drivers’ cabs of London’s bus fleet. Further testing and assessment work is underway across all other vehicle types that do not have modern ventilation and air conditioning systems. 

A number of complementary measures are also being explored, including solar film technology with UV protections, improved driver seating featuring heating and ventilation, enhanced extreme weather planning, access to hydration and welfare facilities, and other practical interventions that can support drivers during challenging weather conditions.  

Taskforce members recognise that there is no single solution to the challenges created by extreme weather. Instead, lasting progress will be achieved through genuine partnership working, open dialogue and a shared determination to identify solutions that are practical, effective and sustainable.  

The taskforce remains committed to communicating openly with stakeholders as work progresses and will continue to provide updates as significant milestones are reached. While substantial work remains ahead, all partners are encouraged by the progress made so far and by the spirit of collaboration that has characterised the Taskforce since its formation.  

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "This is personal to me. I know just what a vital role London’s hard-working bus drivers play in keeping the capital moving around the clock. I want to thank our bus drivers for all their work keeping London moving during this unprecedented summer of heat.

“It’s great news that TfL have reached this historic agreement to provide air conditioning in every single bus cab. We need to look after our customers and our workers.

“The new Taskforce has made excellent progress and demonstrates what can be delivered through collaborative working with trade unions.

"As long as I am Mayor, TfL will continue working closely with operators and drivers to deliver further improvements, ensuring London’s bus network remains a safe and supportive place to work for every bus driver, as we build a fairer, safer London for all.”

Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: “Bus drivers play a vital role in ensuring the success of the capital’s bus network, enabling people across London to travel sustainably and affordably. 

“We recognise how challenging recent weather conditions have been for drivers and remain fully committed to maintaining momentum as this taskforce develops immediate improvements and longer-term solutions that will help futureproof London's bus network for the years ahead. 

"This taskforce is ambitious about what can be achieved, but we are equally focused on ensuring solutions are workable, evidence-based and deliver lasting benefits. The progress made in a short period shows what can be achieved when all parties work together towards a common goal.”