London is set for a landmark change on its bus network, after Transport for London confirmed that Route 6 will become the capital’s first publicly operated bus service from late 2027.
The route, which connects Willesden with Victoria station, will be run directly by TfL’s new publicly owned bus company under the “Buses for London” brand — a break from the long-established system in which every service is put out to private tender.
At present, nearly 700 London bus routes are operated by eight private companies under contract to TfL. The authority says the new public operator will give it far greater control over service quality and day-to-day operations, at a time when average bus speeds have fallen to their lowest level since 2013-14.
Four more routes are expected to follow Route 6 under public operation from 2028, as TfL explores how a publicly owned bus company could shape the future of the capital’s transport network.
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.”
The Mayor of London, Lord Sadiq Khan, backed the move as a chance to overhaul how buses are run in the capital. He said: “This is an opportunity to 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.”
The announcement was welcomed by Unite, which has long campaigned for London’s bus services to return to public ownership. 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.”
TfL has already promised better toilet facilities and air-conditioned cabs for bus drivers by 2027.
The franchising system has also faced pressure from councils, with Hackney recently urging TfL to rethink proposed bus cuts amid warnings over service quality.
The move comes as the capital’s bus network faces growing pressure, with passenger journeys falling and speeds declining — trends TfL will hope that direct public control can help to reverse.
TfL described the launch of the new public bus company as a “major milestone” for the capital’s transport network.
