This round-up focuses on the latest news concerning the New Routemaster bus, along with other significant updates from the London bus network.
It has been reported by the London Omnibus Traction Society (LOTS) that the Superloop route SL11 (Thamesmead – North Greenwich) is planned to temporarily use the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemasters (NRMs). This temporary measure will be implemented while the operating company, Go-Ahead London Central, awaits the delivery of its new double-deck electric buses, as part of its new route contract.
Zero-Emission Transition and Fleet Updates
The following points summarise the recent fleet and service changes reported by LOTS on Sunday, 23 November on their news page, highlighting the rapid transition towards a zero-emission bus fleet:
Sunday 23 November
1. All but three of the EBD-class BYDs for Go-Ahead London's route 188 (EBD114-138) are now in service, and they have started making odd appearances on other routes such as the 1, 35 and 185. The batch for route 88 (EBD139-163) remains in store for now.
2. Go-Ahead's Bexleyheath garage now has 38 DEL-class StreetDeck Electroliners in service, out of a planned total of 40 for routes 99, 269 and 401, although the buses are not all from the originally intended batch (DEL60-99). The DELs also appear on school route 601, with a few appearances on the B16.
3. The arrivals at BX have released several E-class Enviro 400s to Morden Wharf where they have converted most of route 244 to double-deck. This back roads route has always been single-deck but was recently retendered on the basis of using electric double-deckers.
4. The single Volvo BZL/MCV double-decker ordered for school workings on Stagecoach London route W13 has finally arrived, initially carrying incorrect fleetnumber 86266 (it should be 86226) and not yet in service. StreetDecks are now delivered up to 82207, with examples entering service at Rainham (route 287) and Catford (47/199).
5. Transport UK's latest Wrightbus Kite single-deckers are gradually entering service on routes C10 and P5, and the first of the Caetano e-City Gold buses replaced have been withdrawn.
6. The LT-class New Routemasters latterly used on Stagecoach London Superloop route SL3 have officially been transferred back to TfL and are planned to be temporarily used by Go-Ahead London on new Superloop route SL11 in the new year.
7. Metroline has started putting new BDE-class BYDs from the batch BDE2998-3014 into service on route W8 from Potters Bar. There is also one (BDE2990) at Holloway, so far only used on school route 603.
8. Go-Ahead London now has 15 out of a planned 28 SEL-class Wright Kite single-deckers in service at Camberwell. They are mainly used on route 355 but also on the 360.
Superloop SL11: A Case for Articulated Buses
Regarding the Superloop route SL11, I previously suggested in the consultation that TfL should consider using articulated (bendy) buses to enhance accessibility and increase capacity, effectively creating a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. I proposed that TfL should contact Gatwick Airport and Irizar to borrow an articulated Irizar ie tram for evaluation on the SL11, and to launch a trial service to gather feedback from bus users.
My response to the consultation on the proposed Superloop route SL11. https://t.co/olgbPEtgu1 pic.twitter.com/6huuCGrurY
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) March 14, 2025
Contract Costs Revealed for Routes 8 and 16
Routes 8 and 16 are expected to be served by new electric double-deck buses, which will lead to the retirement of the New Routemasters currently operating on these lines. The contract costs for these newly awarded tenders have been published on the Transport for London (TfL) website:
Route 8 (Stagecoach)
Annual Contract Cost: £10,852,000 per annum.
Cost per Live Mile: £12.96 per mile.
Context: This was part of a larger, successful joint bid that included Routes 205/N205 and 678, with the total annual cost for that combined package amounting to £20,022,750.
Contract Start Date: 27th June 2026.
Route 16 (Metroline)
Annual Contract Cost: £6,827,790 per annum.
Cost per Live Mile: £11.84 per mile.
Contract Start Date: 10th October 2026.
These figures illustrate the substantial financial outlay required under the TfL contracting model, where operators are paid a fixed rate per mile to run the service according to the specific contract schedule. This cost must encompass the procurement or leasing of the new zero-emission vehicles, alongside all operational expenses such as staff wages, maintenance, insurance, and depot costs.
Call for Greater Transparency
I believe that TfL needs to significantly improve transparency by publishing tender documents immediately after contract awards, along with all relevant meeting papers, eliminating the current necessity for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. This measure would greatly simplify the process of finding information about service changes, including vehicle types and route timings. It is vital to remember that timetables from different garages are not identical; they must account for 'dead runs' to and from the depot and are affected by unpredictable traffic conditions across London.
A critical, currently missing element in the London bus tenders is clear information on the amount of bus-priority measures a route will utilise. For instance, the published tender details should clarify the percentage of the route that benefits from dedicated bus lanes and priority roads to ensure better punctuality. This clarity should also extend to other traffic management measures, such as 'red routes'.
Consultation to Amend Routes 19 and 38
Finally, here is news that may disappoint some readers: TfL has launched a new consultation on amending routes 19 and 38, which includes the launch of the recycled route number 10. Route numbers, of course, get brought back into use over the years. This update is noteworthy because routes 19 and 38 are currently operated by New Routemaster buses.
The map of the proposed changes are currently available to view on a social media post below, and the consultation is open until 23rd January 2026.
Transport for London Have Your Say: TfL is proposing changes to routes 19 and 38, including extending Route 19 to Victoria and rerouting Route 38 to run between Clapton Pond and Holborn. A new route 10 would also be introduced. Public feedback is open until 23 January 2026.
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) November 28, 2025 at 10:39 AM
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The potential disappointment stems in part from the history of Route 38, which has started from Victoria Station since its introduction in 1912, making it one of London’s oldest bus routes. For historical context, from October 2005 until November 2009, this route was once served by bendy buses (Mercedes-Benz Citaro), having replaced the crew-operated AEC Routemasters.
As I said in a previous article, the New Routemaster will not be in service forever, as TfL contracted Wrightbus for a 12-14 year lifespan in passenger service.
Advocating for Better Bus Design
To conclude, I reiterate my previous suggestion that there should be a common bus specification, not just for London, but for services across the UK. This is not an argument for the relaunch of the New Routemaster project; rather, it is an advocacy for a more accessible bus design to improve the experience for all users. I have also previously suggested standards for the number of doors appropriate for specific types of bus services.
I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.
