More than 1,500 Arriva bus drivers across north and east London and Essex began a two-day strike on Thursday over cab temperatures they say frequently exceed 40C, with one driver recording a reading of 44C.
The industrial action, organised by Unite the Union across eight Arriva garages, affects 43 routes including night buses and Superloop services. The union is demanding Arriva replace air-cooling systems with full air conditioning. Transport for London has advised drivers they have the right to refuse to drive in extreme heat.
Further walkouts are planned on 26 dates running through 20 October, with some strikes coinciding with planned Piccadilly line closures in August and September, compounding disruption for passengers.