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A new publicly owned bus company has been announced for London, with Transport for London (TfL) describing the move as a “major milestone” intended to improve services for drivers and passengers.
Route 6 between Willesden and Victoria station will be the first service to operate under Buses for London when it launches in late 2027.
A further four routes will be named over the coming year to come into operation from 2028.
TfL currently contracts operations to eight private companies across the capital’s almost 700 bus routes.
The transport body said the creation of a publicly owned bus company will afford it greater control over how services are run.
Buses in the capital have been privately run for three decades, except between 2000 and 2009, when TfL managed some routes before they returned to private ownership.
Lorna Murphy, TfL’s director of buses, said: “Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter for London’s buses and an important first step in exploring how a publicly owned bus company could support the future of the capital’s transport network.
“We are pleased to be working with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation to establish Park Royal as the first home of a new generation of zero-emission buses, ahead of the site’s transformation as part of the wider regeneration of Old Oak.
“The depot will provide a base for cleaner, greener services, helping us to build on the progress we’ve already made towards a more sustainable transport system. We look forward to working in partnership with others to bring this vision to life.”
The Mayor of London, Lord Sadiq Khan, said: “This is an opportunity to really 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.
“I look forward to seeing Buses for London build on the success of our world-leading bus network as we continue to create a greener, fairer, more prosperous city for everyone.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has long been calling for London’s bus services to be returned to public ownership. Outsourcing to private companies hasn’t worked well for workers or passengers.
“For too long bus workers have been subjected to intolerable working conditions and passengers have experienced worsening services while bus firms and their shareholders rake in huge profits. Today’s news is a positive step.”
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