London Bus Drivers Living in Fear After Colleague Killed and Another Stabbed

London bus drivers have voiced growing fears about their safety following the fatal attack of a fellow driver and the stabbing of another within less than two weeks.

The concerns intensified after 64-year-old bus driver Sergei Krajev was attacked near Battersea Bridge in the early hours of May 18. Emergency services found him critically injured, and he later died in hospital. Just 11 days later, another bus driver was stabbed in the arm while waiting for a shift change in Southall.

Drivers and union representatives say the incidents highlight ongoing safety issues facing frontline transport workers across the capital.

Former bus driver Kevin Mustafa said many drivers are now frightened to work, particularly during early morning and late-night shifts when they are often left alone at bus stands. He described a profession that has lost much of the respect it once enjoyed, claiming many workers feel vulnerable and unsupported.

According to Transport for London (TfL) data, hundreds of bus drivers have been assaulted while on duty over the past decade, with some incidents resulting in hospital treatment.

Current drivers say they face daily challenges, including fare evasion, verbal abuse, and increasing pressure to maintain schedules. While TfL advises drivers to remain inside their secure cabs and avoid confrontation, many argue this guidance is not always practical, especially when communication with passengers requires them to open cab doors.

Drivers also claim that overcrowding, service pressures, and reduced bus numbers in parts of London have contributed to rising tensions among passengers. Some have called for increased investment in public transport, more ticket inspections, and the return of conductors on busy routes.

Workplace conditions have also become a major concern. Drivers report inadequate access to toilet facilities and insufficient break arrangements. Union officials argue that some workers are being scheduled for long shifts with limited opportunities to rest, raising concerns about both employee welfare and passenger safety.

A dispute involving hundreds of drivers at Bow bus garage continues, with workers protesting over shift patterns, break arrangements, and working conditions. The disagreement has led to several strike actions affecting multiple London bus routes.

Transport for London said it was devastated by the death of Sergei Krajev and condemned all forms of violence against transport staff. The organisation pledged continued cooperation with police investigations and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting employees and passengers across the network.

Stagecoach, one of London's major bus operators, stated that driver schedules and duties comply with legal requirements and industry agreements. The company said it remains willing to continue discussions with union representatives to address concerns and seek a resolution.

As investigations continue, many drivers are calling for stronger safety measures and improved working conditions to ensure that public transport workers can carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.