Bus driver's Covid concerns as protective screens are removed 

The Department of Infrastructure has offered to provide masks, sanitiser and gloves to bus drivers who are fearful about contracting Covid-19.

It’s responded to concerns raised by a bus driver who is unhappy with the lack of protective screens on Island buses.

The DoI says the plastic dividers – which were installed at the start of the pandemic - have been removed as they are approaching ‘end-of-life’.

However the driver – who wishes to remain anonymous – says that’s ‘unthinkable’ and has shared their concerns with Manx Radio: 

"I believe that I caught Covid from the work environment either due to screens being removed from buses or from other employees. I asked what the procedure was on testing positive and I was told you can still work if you feel fit to but will have to wear a mask.

"Once I discovered the screens were coming down I raised this with my line management who told me gleefully that it had been approved by them and the union so there was nothing I could do about it. 

"Once the screens came down your senses were assaulted by under washed or heavily perfumed body odours and other drivers expressed similar sentiments to me.

"I have had to push passengers off me who seem to think it's OK to typically touch my exposed forearm with their open hand and people who have had a few drinks on their night out now have the opportunity to lean right into you as they stagger about.

"From a few conversations with other drivers I would say they are disappointed and coming to realise that the union reps only represent their own interests, as pay negotiations are going nowhere, which is exactly what management and the union reps want in my opinion.

"I have heard from long serving drivers that previously if drunk you weren't allowed on a bus.

"I worked as bus driver on the mainland where not having a screen would be unthinkable.

"If management really think it is the drivers' job to transport and manage sick, drug addled people a proper security screen makes it much easier and safer for everyone." 

In response the DoI says the screens were installed at the start of the initial Covid-19 outbreak to provide additional protection for drivers from the risk of viral transmission.

It adds that they are not designed or robust enough to work as security screens and are now approaching 'end-of-life'.

The department says many drivers were unhappy at the continued use of the screens as it restricts movement within the cab to a small degree and reduces the quality of the interactions with customers.

The decision to remove the screens, the DoI adds, was taken with 'careful and protracted consideration' after representations from the joint health and safety committee, drivers and the concurrence of the drivers’ representatives.

The incidence of physical attacks on drivers in the cab is, the department says, is 'reassuringly low' compared to the UK and does not justify the fitment of security screens as there's only been a single report raised of encroachment into the cab by a passenger in the previous two years.