TfL to launch its own bus company
Buses for London will initially run route 6 between Willesden and Victoria from late 2027.
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Transport for London (TfL) is establishing its own bus company, named Buses for London, which will begin running services directly. This new venture will initially operate route 6, connecting Willesden and Victoria, from late 2027. This route will be the first under the new company's banner, with plans for four additional routes to be announced within the next year, scheduled to commence from 2028.
Currently, all of London's approximately 700 bus routes are managed through contracts with eight private operators. TfL has indicated that operating services directly will grant the organisation greater oversight regarding service reliability and passenger safety. The company also stated that any profits generated will be reinvested into the broader transport network.
London buses return to public ownership
Mayor Sadiq Khan announces new publicly-owned company, Buses for London, to operate initial services.
Park Royal Depot and Future Plans
The initial operational base for Buses for London will be the Park Royal Depot in west London. This facility is set to house approximately 100 zero-emission buses. The lease for this depot extends until 2033, at which point it is slated for redevelopment as part of the Old Oak regeneration scheme. TfL has stated it will collaborate with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to secure a permanent depot location before this date.
Mayor of London Lord Khan described the initiative as an opportunity to "reimagine our bus network" to enhance value for money, advance climate objectives, improve road safety, and ultimately benefit both passengers and drivers. Lorna Murphy, TfL's director of buses, referred to the move as a significant initial step in assessing the potential of a publicly owned bus company for the capital's transport future.
Route 6 to be first London bus run by TfL's new public company
Transport for London launches Buses for London to gain greater control over service quality and operations.
Matthew Carpen, chief executive of OPDC, noted that the Park Royal site would provide temporary support for London's transport infrastructure before the land is repurposed for housing and employment. The development of Buses for London follows discussions with the Unite union, which has for an extended period advocated for public ownership of bus services.
Today's news is a positive step, Unite will now be doing everything possible to ensure that Buses for London provides well-paid, unionised jobs with excellent conditions.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, welcomed the announcement, stating that the union would work to ensure well-compensated, unionised employment with strong working conditions within the new company.
Questions this report answers
+What is Transport for London establishing?
Transport for London is establishing its own bus company called Buses for London. This new company will begin operating some of the capital's bus routes directly, starting with route 6.
+When will the new bus company start operating?
Buses for London will begin operating route 6 between Willesden and Victoria in late 2027. Four more routes are planned to start from 2028.
+Where will the first depot be located?
The first depot for Buses for London will be at Park Royal in west London. It is expected to house approximately 100 zero-emission buses initially.
+What are the stated aims of this new bus company?
TfL stated that running services directly will provide greater control over reliability and safety, allowing profits to be reinvested. Mayor of London Lord Khan said the move aims for better value and to support climate goals.
WE FILE
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