Understanding and improving working conditions and agency for bus drivers: a study of emerging and contested spatiotemporalities of work in public transport in Sweden.

Research problem and specific questionsThe project investigates working conditions in public transport (PT), focusing on the spatiotemporalities of work and agency opportunities of bus drivers in Sweden.

Albeit a pivotal sector for sustainability and accessibility, PT is facing a crisis concerning working conditions and labour supply.

Swedish trade unions bemoan a deterioration of working conditions and PT operators report an acute shortage of staff leading to frequent service disruptions. Improving working conditions in PT emerges as a priority.

With the aim to identify and analyse the challenges to good working conditions for bus drivers in Sweden and discuss ways to address them, the project answers four research questions (RQs): RQ1. How are the bus drivers’ working conditions and opportunities for agency in Sweden? RQ2. What are the everyday spatiotemporalities of work and the related challenges for bus drivers?

RQ3. How have working conditions, regulations and legal frameworks changed over the last 30-years? RQ4. How can bus drivers’ working conditions be improved?

Data and methodThe project adopts a mixed-methods research design, comprising four complementary sub-studies: a quantitative study (a survey answering RQ1) and three qualitative studies (an interviews and observations study answering RQ2, an historical study answering RQ3, and a “future workshop” study answering RQ4).

Societal relevance and utilisationThe worsening working conditions, staff shortage and related service disruptions in PT are negatively affecting the livelihoods and well-being of PT workers and passengers.

Improving working conditions requires a better understanding of the lived experience of work in PT, potential emerging inequalities, and ongoing processes pertaining to technological change and to the governance frameworks.

The project contributes to the growing fields of mobilities and intersectional work life studies, and includes methods and dissemination strategies supporting interventions in real-life contexts.

Plan for project realisationThe project will run 36 months and is organized into 6 work packages (WP0 is project management, WP1-4 address the 4 research questions, and WP5 pertains to dissemination and valorization). The interdisciplinary research team will be supported by a reference group. Direct costs include salaries and running costs (e.g. travels, accommodations, ethical review and materials).

Indirect costs include overheads on salary only.