I’m a bus driver & there’s a secret button on our dashboard we hit to let you on fare-free… we can’t force anyone to pay
A BUS driver has told how she uses a secret button on the dashboard to let customers on fare-free.
The driver, who didn’t give her name, revealed she can’t force passengers to pay for their rides.
Instead, the push of a button logs the incident with Transport for London (TFL).
TFL then tracks where and when fare dodging happens, with inspectors sent to investigate if a pattern emerges.
Drivers are instructed not to force payments or remove passengers for their own safety.
One London bus driver, who switched to the profession before her 40th birthday, shared her journey into the role.
Originally from Romania, she moved to the UK at 22 and spent years working in hospitality and bakeries.
But the long hours, low pay, and lack of flexibility prompted her to consider a career change.
Encouraged by a friend, she eventually pursued the job despite initial doubts about it being seen as a “man’s role.”
After completing the Passenger Carrying Vehicle training, which involved rigorous theory, hazard perception, and a four-hour driving test, she qualified as a bus driver within five months.
She explains how one of the most challenging parts of the job is dealing with passengers who refuse to pay.
She advises non-paying passengers twice to buy a ticket.
If they still refuse, she activates a button that logs the incident with TFL.
TFL uses the system to track repeat offenders and deploy ticket inspectors to problem areas.
The driver emphasises that while fare dodging can be frustrating, her focus remains on safety and keeping the journey running smoothly.