London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses for Routes 184, 217, 484, and 496

Transport for London (TfL) has announced the latest bus contract details, with a focus on the introduction of electric buses. Routes 184, 217, 484, and 496 will transition to electric buses, featuring a combination of new and existing electric single and double-deck vehicles.

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

Reimagining the Silvertown Tunnel: A Case for Tram Integration

Map of the Silvertown Tunnel
Image - Transport for London (TfL)

This article follows up on my previous suggestion to explore the conversion of bus lanes and priority measures for tram use. It's important to remember that bus lanes and priority schemes aren't solely for buses; they also play a crucial role in enabling emergency services to improve their response times and potentially save lives by avoiding heavy traffic congestion.

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses for Routes 174 and 674

As we are in the middle of April 2025, the recent London Bus Tender Awards have revealed that Stagecoach has retained route 174 with new electric double-deck buses. This means the existing electric buses from routes 173 and 174 will cascade to other routes, helping to increase the number of zero-emission bus services.

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

Route 122
Retained by: Stagecoach Selkent
PVR: 19
Vehicles: Existing hybrid double deck
Contract Start Date: 7th February 2026
Contract End Date: 9th February 2029

Freedom of Information Request to TfL Reveals Designs and Costs of Vinyl Coverings for Elizabeth Line Station Platform Seats

Design of vinyl sticker covering for Liverpool Street station
© TfL

Transport for London (TfL) has introduced an initiative to address the issue of ‘ghost marks’ or ‘shadows’ appearing on the walls behind seating areas at the central tunnel stations of the Elizabeth Line. These marks, which occur over time from passengers leaning against the walls, contribute to damage to the paintwork. In response, TfL is trialing vinyl sticker designs to help address the issue.

London Bus Tender Awards: New Routemasters to Continue on Route 3, New Electric Buses for Routes 173/673, 292, 675, B12, and B15

Transport for London (TfL) has announced in the London Bus Tender Awards that route 3 will continue to use hybrid New Routemasters with three doors and two staircases. Routes 173/673, 292, 675, B12, and B15 will use new electric buses.

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