K2

Stress, low appreciation and lack of toilets – everyday life for bus drivers in Skåne

The frequent lack of toilets along driving routes is one of several challenges faced by bus drivers in Skåne. This is highlighted in a new research report from K2, which examines the everyday working conditions of bus drivers. Other issues raised by the drivers include tight schedules, long working days and a sense that their professional competence is undervalued.

The report originated from discussions within the public transport committee of Skåne about how the demands for efficiency and punctuality in public transport affect bus drivers’ working environment. Funding was allocated for an independent study within the framework of K2 to investigate the issue. The findings have now been published in the report Ohållbar kollektivtrafik? Yrkesvardagen för bussförare som kör åt Skånetrafiken (see link below).

The report is based on interviews and survey responses from bus drivers in Skåne operating regional and urban bus services. All drivers are employed by private companies, with Skånetrafiken acting as the procuring authority and traffic contractor.

“The ambition has been to convey what everyday life looks like for different bus drivers – the good and the bad – and to capture their own reflections on how their working conditions could be improved. The background is that many bus drivers report feeling stressed, while previous research on their day-to-day work is rather limited,” says Karin Winter, lead author and researcher at K2 and Lund University, who wrote the report together with Chiara Vitrano, senior researcher at K2 and VTI, and project leader for the study.

Consistent picture of stress and low influence

The drivers interviewed describe a remarkably consistent picture of their working lives, despite being employed by different companies. The results reveal a pressured work situation with multiple, interacting sources of stress.

One such factor is that punctuality is monitored in real time using onboard equipment. Delays can result in financial penalties for the operating company, which in turn monitors individual driver data. This creates dilemmas for drivers, torn between doing what they consider to be a good job – driving safely and ensuring all passengers board properly – and keeping to schedule. A particular source of stress is the rule that a bus may not arrive more than one minute early at the terminus. Driving slowly towards the end of a route to avoid being early can cause frustration among passengers.

Low appreciation is another common concern – most drivers only receive feedback when there are delays or deviations, not when they perform well. There is also a perceived lack of recognition for professional expertise and limited trust in drivers’ ability to make sound judgements in real time. Many report little contact with management and a low level of interest from superiors in improving working conditions.

Lack of toilets a significant problem

Stress also arises from insufficient time allocated for essential work tasks, limited flexibility, long shifts and extended time away from home. A split shift, including a long unpaid break in the middle, can last up to 13 hours. However, even more basic issues are highlighted.

“Even the most fundamental needs are not being met – such as ensuring that bus drivers have access to toilets. Some describe having to relieve themselves in bushes and deliberately restricting fluid intake while at work. This is a very well-known issue within the industry, and the fact that it persists year after year sends a clear message to drivers,” says Karin Winter.

Previous research shows that these combined stressors have negative health effects and tend to impact bus drivers’ overall quality of life. This, in turn, can have undesirable consequences for passengers: tired and stressed drivers may struggle to maintain a cheerful attitude or optimal levels of traffic safety. The researchers therefore question how sustainable public transport really is from a driver’s perspective.

Recruitment challenges

Many drivers believe that the current public transport procurement system, where companies compete by underbidding each other, has contributed to today’s situation. At the same time, drivers express professional pride, a passion for driving, and a desire to use their experience to improve public transport.

Chiara Vitrano points out that there is currently a shortage of drivers, and that improving the working environment may be essential for future recruitment. Making better use of drivers’ knowledge, creating systems for feedback, and fostering collaboration between actors to resolve issues such as toilet access are among the recommendations in the report.

“We hope that our research will lead to changes that make public transport more sustainable for both professionals and passengers. Our study is also important because it sheds light on a reality well known within the bus industry but less familiar to the general public. One can take the bus every day without realising the many challenges drivers face,” she says.

The study will be presented to the public transport committee at its meeting on 28 August 2025.

Read the full report:
Ohållbar kollektivtrafik? Yrkesvardagen för bussförare som kör åt Skånetrafiken

About the study
As the aim was to capture different individuals’ experiences, perceptions and reflections, the researchers conducted a qualitative study. The report is based on interviews with 22 bus drivers and survey responses from 45 drivers in Skåne operating regional or city bus services. The interviews were conducted between January and April 2025. A qualitative study does not aim to be statistically representative but rather to deepen understanding of participants’ experiences. The researchers assess that the study does not display any obvious bias.

Text: Anna Maria Erling