First denies buses are not being deep cleaned in Doncaster after complaints

Transport bosses have denied claims buses are not being deep cleaned properly after complaints from a Doncaster employee.
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Pictures sent to the Local Democracy Reporting appear to show dirty anti-bacterial wipes in a driver’s cab.

The employee, who declined to be named amid fear of reprisals, said the anti-bacterial wipes were left full of dirt after being used to wipe down the steering wheel and control box.

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The staff member also claimed buses were not being deep cleaned before the start of each shift.

First buses. First buses.
First buses.

However, FirstBus denied this was the case and said the company had implemented an enhanced and thorough cleaning policy on all vehicles before they left the depot.

Bosses said drivers also had access to gloves and hand sanitiser.

Trade union Unite also said it had investigated the allegations and ‘could not find fault’ with the operator

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Garry Birmingham, managing director of First South Yorkshire, said: “We have been working closely with the trade union to inform drivers of our cleaning practices, so I am not sure why this driver hasn’t spoken to their manager or union representative, as we have no record of any complaints at the depot.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers is always at the forefront of our bus operation.

“To help keep people safe we are undertaking enhanced deep cleans on buses including the cab area, ensuring bell pushes, window ledges, hand rails and other touchpoints are sanitised every day and additionally at bus stations where vehicles pass through during the day.

“Our drivers also have access to gloves and hand gel.

“Our drivers have responded superbly to this unprecedented situation and are at the frontline in delivering our services to keep key workers and others needing to make essential journeys moving about.”

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Phil Bown, Unite regional officer, said: Unite has thoroughly investigated these concerns and at the moment it cannot find fault with First Bus Donvaster.

"Unite takes all safety issues extremely seriously.

“If any worker does have concerns Unite urges them to speak immediately to their union rep or officer and Unite will deal immediately with the issues raised.”

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