London Bus Tender Awards: New Double-Decker Electric Buses For Routes 240 and 486

Transport for London (TfL) has awarded new bus contracts for routes 123, 158, 240, and 486. Routes 240 and 486 will operate with new electric double-deck buses from 2026, while routes 123 and 158 will continue with existing hybrid vehicles.

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

Why Transport for London Should Trial Bus Designs from Other Countries with Improved Accessibility Features and Stakeholder Feedback

This article follows on from my previous article, 'Exploring the Challenges and Considerations of Buses with Two Wheelchair Spaces And Buses of Longer Size', where I stated:

"This would allow TfL and organisations representing older and disabled people to evaluate different features used in buses across various cities and trial them in passenger service. It would also provide an opportunity to gather feedback from individuals and stakeholders."

Why Public Feedback Should Shape Transport Policy: Consultation and Decision-Making in Transport for London's Bus Service Changes

Route 205 leaflet from 2002 - © TfL

Transport for London’s (TfL) consultation report on the proposed changes to bus routes 30 and 205 included a reference to one of my tweets, which I appreciated. As some of my followers on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mastodon, and Bluesky may have seen, I’ve been sharing excerpts from the report.

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses for Routes 51, 162, 178, 244, 291, and B11, and Arriva Wins Route 248 with New Routemasters

Transport for London (TfL) has revealed the latest round of bus contract awards, highlighting continued progress towards a zero-emission fleet. Routes 51, 162, 178, 244, 291, and B11 are set to operate with electric buses, including a mix of new electric single and double-deck vehicles. Route 248 will continue to be operated with the existing three-door, two-staircase New Routemaster hybrid buses.

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

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Single-Deck Buses for Route 493

As we are in the middle of May 2025, the recent London Bus tender awards have revealed that Transport UK London has won the route 493 contract, with new single-deck electric buses for Transport for London (TfL).

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

TfL to Trial Bus Passenger Counting Systems (Again) and Revive the Routemaster's 'Ding Ding' Sound to Improve Bus Safety

Earlier this year (2025), I revealed that Transport for London (TfL) would be trialling new features to improve safety for bus passengers, including details about the revival of the ‘ding ding’ sound, which could become part of the new bus safety standard if the trials prove successful.

Reviewing Transport for London’s New Bus Specification v2.6: New Zero-Emission Buses Should Be Creative, Not Restrictive

In this article, I will review Version 2.6 of the New Bus Specification, released by Transport for London (TfL) via their Freedom of Information disclosure log. The document includes a comprehensive set of updates and revisions aimed at enhancing safety, environmental performance, and operational efficiency.

Notable changes include the removal of engine emissions requirements, reflecting the shift towards zero-emission buses, and the addition of new requirements such as fire safety protocols, driver assault screens, and updated acceleration performance standards.

A Brief History of Low-Floor Buses and London Transport’s XRM Project: A Missed Opportunity for Accessibility

The evolution of low-floor buses has been integral to the advancement of accessible public transport. London, a city with a rich history of bus innovation, has witnessed both pioneering developments and missed opportunities in this field. The XRM project by London Transport in the 1970s stands out as a significant, yet unrealised, leap towards wheelchair accessibility at a time when such considerations were rare.

London Bus Tender Awards: Route 372 to Operate New Electric Double-Deck Buses

As of May 2025, it has been announced by Transport for London (TfL) through the London Bus Tender Awards that Stagecoach London has retained another route serving the London Borough of Havering. Route 372, which operates between Hornchurch and Lakeside Shopping Centre (located in Thurrock, outside Greater London), will use new electric double-deck buses and runs via Rainham and Aveley.

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