New buses for London

[vulcan]

Boris Johnson has been inspecting the new buses which will have the old style rear platforms and conductors. Val Shawcross has said it will cost £72,000 a year per bus to employ the conductor, what does she base that figure on ?

[barry1010]

Probably 4 employees per bus, taking into account that the bus will run 7 days a week, 364 days a year and possibly 18 hours or more a day.

[factor-fiction]

I think it's probably nearer 2 per bus and the amount takes account of shift payments.
It also needs to be remembered that the cost to an employer is more than just the salary cost. If an employer pays someone £20000 a year the employer has to pay Employers National Insurance of around £2000 and maybe pension contributions of around £3000. In addition there is the cost of providing cover in the event of holidays and sickness which adds maybe another £4000. So already the amount is up to £29000. On top of that there are recruitment and training costs of several thousand pounds a year.

[barry1010]

If the bus runs for 18 hours a day, 7 days a week that is 126 hours a week.
At least 3 full time conductors needed.

[factor-fiction]

In terms of shift coverage I agree barry1010's figure of 3 conductors seems right but the all-in cost of 3 conductors would be a lot more than £72000 per bus I reckon.
Anyway, only Boris knows how the figures were arrived at. I think there would be some offsetting savings, in particular reduced fuel as the bus can set off quicker, less fare evasion (underpayment), and reduced payments to drivers

[Elderman]

what he has to say, do with being open and honest, I'm not too sure.