̶L̶o̶n̶d̶o̶n̶ Singapore Bus Tender Awards: Go-Ahead Singapore Wins Tampines Bus Package Consisting of 27 Routes

In this recent London ahem Singapore Bus Tender Awards, announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Go-Ahead Singapore has won the Tampines Bus Package, which consists of 27 routes.

Here’s the press release from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority:

London Bus Tender Awards: Metroline Retains Route E9 and Superloop Route SL8 with New Double-Deck Electric Buses

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that Metroline has retained Route E9 and Superloop Route SL8, both of which will operate with new double-deck electric buses.

LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for the following routes with the operators listed below:

Route 207/N207
Current Operator: Transport UK West London
New Operator: Transport UK West London
PVR: 25
Vehicles: Existing hybrid double deck
Contract Start Date: 4th April 2026
Contract End Date: 6th April 2029

London Bus Tender Awards: Stagecoach to Operate Superloop Route SL12 and Route 205 with New Electric Buses

As we are in September 2025, after a month’s wait, Transport for London (TfL) has announced that Superloop route SL12 has been awarded to Stagecoach London, who will be using double-deck electric buses along with route 205.

LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for the following routes with the operator listed below:

Route 205/N205
Current Operator: Stagecoach East London
New Operator: Stagecoach East London
PVR: 17
Vehicles: New electric double deck
Contract Start Date: 29th August 2026
Contract End Date: 26th August 2033

Transport for London reveals reason for delays to new DLR rolling stock B23, expected to enter service later in 2025

After a long hiatus, the new £942 million Docklands Light Railway rolling stock B23 is finally back in trial service. Transport for London (TfL) has explained the reasons for the delay in response to a Freedom of Information request.

Your exclusive sneak peek of the new DLR trains 👀

Coming soon. Find out more about the new features ⬇️ https://t.co/eYvOKFOfjy pic.twitter.com/DLHxD2aTgt

— TfL (@TfL) September 1, 2025

Request ID: FOI-1452-2526
Date published: 08 September 2025

Transport for London Reveals Update on the Proposed West London Orbital Railway Line

© TfL

In a recent Freedom of Information response, Transport for London (TfL) revealed an update on the proposed West London Orbital railway. This planned passenger rail line in England will use existing tracks to connect Hounslow in the west with Hendon and West Hampstead in the north. Its aim is to improve links across west and northwest London, support new homes and jobs, and reduce road congestion, mainly by restoring passenger services and adding new stations along the route.

Request ID: FOI-2015-2526
Date published: 08 September 2025

Why the Elizabeth Line Isn’t Part of the London Underground

Central and Elizabeth line trains at Ealing Broadway

The Elizabeth line represents one of the most significant recent developments in London’s transport network, yet it often prompts questions about its relationship to the London Underground (LU) and why it is not classified as a Tube line. Transport for London (TfL) has addressed this on multiple occasions on X (formerly known as Twitter), emphasising clear distinctions between the two.

UK Public Transport Infrastructure: A Global Comparison of Efficiency and Delivery

Public transport infrastructure is a vital component of urban and intercity mobility, facilitating economic growth and environmental sustainability worldwide. The development processes for such infrastructure—including trams, Underground/Metro networks, and high-speed rail—vary considerably between countries and regions in terms of planning laws, financial arrangements, consultation practices, and project delivery timelines. This article presents a detailed comparative overview of these aspects in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the European Union, the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates.

Suggestion for the New Routemasters After London Service: Repower Them as Electric Vehicles for Bus Rapid Transit Services

Repowered New Routemaster LT11

This is a follow-up to my article from last year regarding the New Routemasters being phased out in favour of new zero-emission buses in the near future.

London Bus Tender Awards: Go-Ahead London to Operate Superloop Route SL11 with New Electric Buses from January 2026

As we enter the new month of August 2025, Transport for London (TfL) has announced that route SL11/N472 has been awarded to Go-Ahead London Central, with new electric double-deck buses.

LBSL intends to enter into a new contract for the following route with the operator listed below:

Experimental Routemaster (XRM): The Overlooked Project of London's Transport History

XRM model bus design
It suggests a livery that is partly red and partly unpainted aluminium.
Image by London Transport

As a follow-up to my previous articles, "A Brief History of Low-Floor Buses and London Transport’s XRM Project: A Missed Opportunity for Accessibility" and "The Proposed Successors to the AEC Routemaster Before the Three-Door, Two-Staircase Hybrid New Routemaster Bus," this piece will delve into the ambitious yet ultimately unfulfilled project known as the XRM, a London Transport (LT) initiative aimed at designing the next generation of double-deck buses. The Experimental Routemaster (XRM) is indeed a forgotten part of London's Transport history.