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| Structure of proposed changes to routes 19 and 38 TfL Image |
I don't usually publish the tendering programme updates by Transport for London (TfL), as I mostly report on the London Bus Tender Awards on my site.
However, a consultation on the proposal to amend routes 19 and 38, with a potential new route 10, is currently being hosted on the TfL 'Have Your Say' website.
The key changes to note are:
• Run route 19 between Finsbury Park and extend to Victoria via Hyde Park Corner and no longer serve Battersea Bridge
• Run route 38 from Clapton Pond to Holborn, New Oxford Street and no longer serve Victoria
• Withdraw the section of route 38 that runs between between Clapton Garage and Victoria station (currently Monday-Friday only)
• Introduce a new route (provisionally route 10) between Mildmay Park, Dove Road and Battersea Bridge
The key changes to note are:
• Run route 19 between Finsbury Park and extend to Victoria via Hyde Park Corner and no longer serve Battersea Bridge
• Run route 38 from Clapton Pond to Holborn, New Oxford Street and no longer serve Victoria
• Withdraw the section of route 38 that runs between between Clapton Garage and Victoria station (currently Monday-Friday only)
• Introduce a new route (provisionally route 10) between Mildmay Park, Dove Road and Battersea Bridge
Tendering Programme Update 15th January 2026
The current contract for route 38/N38 will now terminate early on 13th November 2026. The route will therefore be added to the 2026/27 Tendering Programme in supplementary Tranche 981A.
Route 67 will be reallocated from Tranche 999 to a separate tranche (999A).
ITTs still to be issued in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 Tendering Programmes are therefore as follows:
| Tranche | Routes |
|---|---|
| 960A | 424 |
| 970A | 116 |
| 975A | 349 |
| 977A | 632 |
| 980A | 295, N295 |
| 980B | 339 |
| 981A | 38, N38 |
| 982A | 92 |
| 984A | 190 |
| 988A | 696 |
| 991A | W5 |
| 992A | 667 |
2027 - 2028 TENDERING PROGRAMME
| Tranche | Routes |
|---|---|
| 995 | U10 |
| 996 | 28, N28, 328 |
| 997 | 481 |
| 998 | E1, E3 |
| 999 | 191 |
| 999A | 67 |
This does not mean that the consultation is 'pointless' or that the route is going to be changed regardless; it is very important that you and others take part to express your views on the proposed changes. I cannot confirm whether the re-tendered route 38 will continue to use the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemasters, as the London bus fleet continues to transition to zero-emission. This is particularly relevant given that the re-tendered routes 8 and 16 are expected to have their New Routemasters replaced with new electric buses.
I have taken part in the consultation and pointed out that route 38 has served Victoria since its introduction in June 1912, which predates the creation of the London Passenger Transport Board in 1933.
You can still take part in the consultation for routes 19 and 38, but please note it will close on Friday 23 January 2026.
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.
