London bus speeds hit record low as journeys lengthen
Analysis shows 578 out of 700 routes are now slower than a decade ago, impacting passenger numbers.
Trust 60Craft 75Hype 40How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to TfL data and cited experts, with specific figures and dates provided.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article clearly explains the issue, provides specific examples and data, and quotes relevant figures.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline and introduction suggest a crisis, but the article provides a measured analysis with global context.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
The average speed of buses across London has fallen to its lowest point on record, according to analysis of Transport for London (TfL) data. In the 2025-26 period, the network averaged 9.18mph, a figure not seen since comparable records started in 2013-14. This slowdown is a widespread issue, with 578 out of the capital's 700 bus routes now operating at a reduced average speed compared to a decade ago.
Specific route slowdowns
TfL to build 53 new toilets for bus drivers
Transport for London is investing £6 million this financial year to improve driver welfare facilities across the capital.
The route 22, which travels through central London towards Oxford Circus, was identified as the second slowest bus in 2025, averaging just under 6mph. This represents a 16% decrease in speed from a decade prior, meaning journeys that once took 51 minutes now take an hour. On a June morning in 2025, a reporter for The Guardian observed the 22 bus being stationary for 40 out of its 108-minute journey to Oxford Circus, a delay attributed to traffic congestion, traffic signals, and roadworks.
Other routes also show significant reductions in average speed. The 207 route to White City in west London is 14% slower than ten years ago, with an average speed of 7.4mph in 2025. The 243 route connecting north London to Waterloo has slowed by 5%, despite being a popular service carrying 9.8 million passengers in 2025.
Impact on passenger numbers and costs
Eleven London bus routes change Saturday
Changes affect frequency and timetables for routes across the capital starting 19 September 2026.
This trend of slower bus speeds is contributing to a decline in passenger numbers. TfL research suggests that a 10% reduction in bus speed can lead to a 6% drop in demand. Since 2013, passenger journeys on London buses have fallen by 16%, equating to over 300 million fewer journeys annually, despite a near one million increase in the city's population. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has expressed concern, noting that unreliability due to bus speed is a key reason commuters are turning away from the service.
The slower journeys also have financial implications. Increased operating costs arise because drivers' wages form the largest share of expenses; slower services necessitate more vehicles and staff to maintain the same level of service. Analysis by the Confederation of Passenger Transport suggests that increasing London's bus speeds by 10% could generate an additional £70 million annually in fares and reduce operating costs by £214 million.
A global phenomenon
London's slowing bus speeds are part of a wider global issue. A 2026 report by the Transport Strategy Centre at Imperial College London identified a consistent decrease in bus speeds over the past decade in 15 different transport networks across Europe, Asia, and North America. While London's slowdown is described as modest in comparison to cities like Paris or Istanbul, the report highlights common factors such as increased traffic congestion and reduced road space for buses, partly due to expansions for cycling and walking infrastructure.
The Transport Strategy Centre report concludes that when bus services are fast and reliable, passenger numbers increase, enhancing the system's viability. Conversely, declining speeds lead to reduced ridership, undermining sustainability objectives. The report posits that improving bus services is a primary method for achieving equitable, low-carbon, and resilient urban environments.
What happens next
The analysis indicates a potential 'vicious circle of decline' where slower buses lead to fewer passengers, which in turn increases pressure on services, potentially resulting in route cuts. The report by the Transport Strategy Centre suggests that making buses faster and more reliable is a key strategy for achieving broader urban sustainability goals.
Questions this report answers
+What is the current average speed of London buses?
In the 2025-26 period, the average speed across the London bus network was 9.18mph. This is the lowest figure recorded since comparable data began in 2013-14, indicating a significant slowdown in bus travel times across the capital.
+How many bus routes in London have become slower?
Analysis shows that 578 out of the 700 bus routes operating in London have experienced a reduction in their average speed over the past decade. This widespread decline affects the majority of services across the city.
+What is the impact of slower bus speeds on passenger numbers?
Research suggests a direct link between slower bus speeds and reduced passenger numbers. A 10% fall in speed can lead to a 6% drop in demand. Passenger journeys on London buses have already decreased by 16% since 2013.
+Is this slowdown unique to London?
No, London is not alone in experiencing slower bus speeds. A 2026 report identified a persistent decline in bus speeds over the last decade in 15 global transport networks across Europe, Asia, and North America.
WE FILE
No invented reporter. No hidden source trail.
The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.