Transport for London (TfL) has announced a major milestone in its plans to improve bus services with the launch of Buses for London, a publicly owned bus operator. The new company will begin running services in the capital from late 2027, starting with route 6 between Willesden and Victoria station.
What Is Buses for London?
Buses for London is a new publicly owned company established by TfL to take over a handful of London's nearly 700 bus routes. The move marks a significant shift from the current model, where TfL contracts bus services to eight privately owned operators. The public company will start with route 6 in late 2027, with four additional routes to be announced for 2028.
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TfL says the creation of a publicly owned bus company will give it greater control over how services are run, allowing it to make buses more reliable and safe, and to reinvest profits into improving the transport network. A depot in the Old Oak regeneration area will support the new operation.
Why TfL Is Making the Change
London's buses have been getting gradually slower and passenger numbers have fallen over the past decade, as they battle with congestion and demands on road space. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This is an opportunity to reimagine our bus network so that it provides better value for money, supports our climate goals, makes our roads safer, and overall just works better for passengers and drivers alike.”
Lorna Murphy, TfL's director of buses, described the public company as “an exciting new chapter” for the network.
Key Takeaways
- Public ownership: Buses for London will be publicly owned, giving TfL more control over routes and standards.
- Starting small: Route 6 (Willesden to Victoria) will be the first route, launching in late 2027.
- Expansion planned: Four more routes will be announced for 2028.
- Goals: Improve reliability, safety, and value for money, and reinvest profits into the network.
How Public vs. Private Bus Operations Compare
The table below compares key aspects of the current private operator model with the new public company model.
| Aspect | Private Operators (Current) | Buses for London (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Eight private companies | Publicly owned by TfL |
| Control | Contract-based | Direct control by TfL |
| Profit Use | Private shareholders | Reinvested into transport network |
| Routes | Nearly 700 routes | Starts with route 6, expands to 5 routes by 2028 |
| Launch Date | Ongoing | Late 2027 |
What This Means for Passengers and Drivers
For passengers, the change could mean more reliable and safer buses, with profits reinvested to improve services. For drivers, TfL says the new model will work better for them too, though specific details on employment terms have not yet been announced.
The move is part of a broader effort to address declining bus speeds and ridership. By taking direct control, TfL aims to make buses more attractive and efficient, supporting climate goals and road safety.
FAQ
What is Buses for London?
Buses for London is a new publicly owned bus operator established by Transport for London. It will take over a handful of London's bus routes starting in late 2027, beginning with route 6.
When will Buses for London start running?
The public company will start running services from late 2027, with route 6 between Willesden and Victoria station being the first. Four more routes will be announced for 2028.
Why is TfL launching a public bus operator?
TfL says the move will give it greater control over services, allowing it to make buses more reliable and safe, and to reinvest profits into improving the transport network. It also aims to address declining bus speeds and passenger numbers.
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