A survey conducted by the Swedish union Kommunal has revealed alarming working conditions for bus drivers, with every other driver reportedly unable to take a proper lunch break. According to the union's member survey published on February 26, 2026, many bus drivers are considering leaving the profession within the next three years due to these challenging conditions.
The survey found that 52 percent of bus drivers can take a proper lunch break, while 48 percent experience significant difficulty taking longer pauses. A majority of drivers also report struggling to find time for toilet breaks and coffee breaks during their shifts.
it's not surprising that accidents happen
Kommunal's union chairperson Malin Ragnegård warned about the safety implications of these conditions, stating in a press release that 'it's not surprising that accidents happen' when drivers work under such pressure. She noted that bus drivers are sounding alarms about barely being able to take short breaks while simultaneously operating buses full of people in often stressful traffic situations or difficult weather conditions.
The survey results highlight growing concerns about working conditions in the public transportation sector and potential impacts on both driver retention and passenger safety.