Transport for London to launch publicly-owned bus company

Transport for London (TfL) has announced the launch of ‘Buses for London’, a new publicly-owned bus company marking the first large-scale move toward public control of the capital’s bus services in 30 years. The initiative aims to provide TfL with greater control over service operations, improve reliability and safety, and reinvest profits back into the transport network.

The company will initially operate approximately 100 zero-emission buses from the Park Royal Depot in west London. Route 6, running between Willesden and Victoria station, is scheduled to be the first service under the new company in late 2027. Four additional routes are expected to be announced within the coming year, with operations slated to begin in 2028.

Mayor Sadiq Khan stated the move is an opportunity to reimagine the network to support climate goals and provide better value for money. The success of these initial routes will be reviewed to determine if the publicly-owned model should be expanded across London. The move has received support from Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, who noted that outsourcing to private companies has not always benefited workers or passengers.