Most complaints were about the drivers

About 80% of the complaints about the service were attributed to the behaviour of the driver.

The inquiry showed most incidents were on routes 143, C11, G1 and the 152.

Transport for London (TfL) said the 43,043 complaints should be taken in the context of the 1.8bn bus journeys taken every year.

Roger Evans, chair of the London Assembly's transport committee, said: "London Buses must put passengers' safety first. The number of complaints is up as is passenger dissatisfaction."

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS Better communication between drivers and passengers through the use of visual aids and PA systems on all vehicles Penalties and rewards should be built into bus operators' contracts During training, new drivers need to have more direct contact with passengers

The report says more accidents on buses happen as they are now travelling faster because of improved enforcement of bus lanes.

Other complaints include drivers moving away from a stop before a passenger has got off or sat down, and the bus failing to get close to the kerb for disabled and elderly passengers.

TfL's Peter Hendy said the rise in complaints could also be down to the improved reporting procedure but the London Assembly does not support this.

He said TfL would continue to improve reliability and safety and that added investment had already improved the service "beyond recognition".

"Our drivers perform a difficult but vital service in the face of tough traffic conditions and poor behaviour from some drivers and individuals," he added.