‘TfL is putting my life at risk’: ‘Proud’ London bus driver, 63, makes tearful plea for more protective equipment after the death of 12 colleagues

A proud London bus driver fears her life is being put at risk as she drives around her route with no protective equipment.

In a tearful video shared online, 63-year-old told driver Lorraine urged Transport for London and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to 'put our lives before profit'.

Today TfL announced 18 of its workers had died with Covid-19, 12 of which were bus workers.   

She said: 'I'm put at risk by TfL and Khan by not providing a safe environment for me to work in.

'I'm 63 years of age, I'm proud to drive a London bus, I'm proud to do my job.

'But I'm frightened I'm going to die, because nobody in Government, Khan, TfL, will listen to us and block off our buses.'

Bus drivers from across the Capital and their families have complained about conditions after Sadiq Khan, a bus driver's son himself, appeared on national television last week saying he took transport workers safety 'personally'. 

As a minority of people continue to flout lockdown rules, Lorraine said she is frightened of being exposed to people carrying deadly Covid-19 germs.

She said: 'I've had people day after day get on my bus for no reason, putting me at risk. 

'It's not fair, my life matters. If it doesn't matter to anybody else it matters to my family.

'I just need someone to take notice  and protect us while we provide the service. Put our lives before profit Khan and TfL please I beg you, think of me and my family.'

Speaking today Sadiq Khan said: 'It breaks my heart that 18 transport workers, including 12 London bus workers, have tragically died from Covid-19. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones at this very difficult time. This is deeply personal - I can’t help but think that this could have been my dad or his colleagues and friends.

'I am doing everything I can to keep transport workers and passengers safe. 

'We are also urgently exploring every possible additional option to protect our heroic transport staff, who ensure nurses, doctors and other key workers can get to where they are needed. 

'We have already put in place an enhanced anti-viral cleaning regime across the network, applied protective film to the Perspex screen of bus driver cabs to seal off holes, prevented passengers sitting next to bus drivers and are trialling middle-door-only boarding on several bus routes. 

'I know staff are worried and many have asked for PPE, so we are working closely with the trade unions to address concerns. There are clearly issues in the supply of PPE, with hospitals and care homes reporting shortages, but I’ve also asked TfL to look into the availability of PPE stock for transport workers, in case advice from public health experts changes.

'TfL will continue to do whatever it takes to keep our heroic transport workers and all Londoners as safe as possible.'