Andrew Cooper from Unite the union at the head of the march on Saturday [Simon Lamrock]

CAMPAIGNERS against bus cuts stopped traffic as they marched the route of the 24 to Trafalgar Square.

The Extra joined the protest on Saturday that was called by Unite the union against potential changes to bus services that could kill off 16 popular routes in the capital. It comes as bus drivers demanding pay increases ballot for strike action.

Number 24 bus fan and retired GP Rosalind Church, who lived in Pimlico, said: “It’s the younger people and school routes I am most worried about. Disruption to them will have a bigger impact.”

Her friend, Jane, who lives in the Churchill Gardens estate, said: “I’ve lived up and down the route all my life, and used it all the time. It’s a great bus route. I can’t see why they are doing this.”

Drivers and passengers supported the action

Dozens of passengers, bus drivers, and union members joined the protest against cuts that City Hall says are necessary due to funding problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Andrew Cooper, from Unite, said: “This is for everyone, the disabled, the youngsters, the olds, for everyone. It’s the life-blood of London.

“They take you to the shops, to hospital appointments, to see family and friends. We must stand up and fight for them.”

Demonstrators were told that industrial action could take place if the cuts are not cancelled. There is also concern about a lack of pay for drivers, with them earning a few pounds less per shift than other companies.

Bus drivers running services northbound beeped their horns and punched the air in support of the protesters, who waved flags and banners and were chanting and marching.

Protesters on route 24 to Trafalgar Square

Route 24 driver Michael Speller, who has driven the 24 bus for two years, said: “It’s really nice to see how much support there is for this route. A lot of people have come to support us today from other areas too, which means a lot.”

In a message of support to the rally, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “We will not stand by and let bus operators, transport authorities, mayors and central government point the finger at each other while services are being decimated.

“Bus operators are making massive profits and money is there. Be in no doubt, if these marches are not effective, industrial action will come.”

Drivers in Metroline garages voted against a pay offer and will now be balloted for strike action.

Geoff Hobbs, director of public transport service planning at Transport for London, said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on TfL’s finances, requiring government support to keep public transport in London operating. The government set a number of conditions before it would provide emergency funding, including reducing the extent of our bus network.”

A consultation on the changes has closed.