Transport for London (TfL) has announced that ‘Buses for London’ is to be the name of the capital’s new, publicly owned bus company, alongside plans for its first route and operational base at Park Royal Depot in west London. 

This marks a major milestone in TfL’s transformational plans to establish a publicly owned bus operator for the capital, helping to support innovation, affordability and sustainability in one of the world’s largest bus networks, while improving services for drivers and passengers alike

TfL has also confirmed that route 6, which runs between Willesden and Victoria station, will be the first service to operate under the new name when ‘Buses for London’ launches in late 2027. A further four routes will be announced over the coming year, to come into operation from 2028. 

One of Buses for London’s remits will be to explore new ways to deliver high-quality, reliable and sustainable services for customers. Buses for London will help TfL test new approaches to innovation, operational efficiency, safety, decarbonisation, customer experience and driver welfare, while maintaining the high standards Londoners expect from the capital’s bus network. 

TfL currently contracts bus services to eight privately-owned operators across the capital’s almost 700 bus routes. The creation of a publicly owned bus company will afford TfL greater control over how services are run, enabling it to boost reliability and safety while crucially reinvesting profits to further improve the capital’s transport network. This proposal has been developed following engagement and collaboration with Unite the Union. 

Park Royal Depot will become the first operational site for ‘Buses for London’ and will initially support around 100 zero-emission buses. TfL is working in partnership with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to develop the site, supporting sustainable growth and improved transport connections across west and central London. The site is being leased until 2033, ahead of regeneration in line with the Old Oak Masterplan Framework, when TfL and OPDC will work together to identify a permanent location for the depot ahead of the lease expiry.

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: 

“TfL and OPDC will join forces in this innovative new partnership to establish the capital’s first publicly owned bus operating company. London’s iconic red buses are a vital lifeline for many people, which I’m committed to supporting – and sometimes that means taking bold new approaches, so that our world-leading transport network can deliver even more for all those who rely on it. 

“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.” 

(Picture: Paul Hutton/Highways News)