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| Big Red Book Sixth Edition TfL Image |
The long-awaited Big Red Book Sixth Edition has finally been published by Transport for London (TfL). Rather than being published through TfL's Freedom of Information disclosure log, it has instead been released directly on the TfL website.
🚍🛡️ Transport for London has finally released the sixth edition of the Big Red Book, setting out updated guidance for bus drivers on safety, accessibility, customer service, emergency procedures, cashless fares, revenue protection and end-of-duty checks in line with Vision Zero. pic.twitter.com/bCEfqIyxyM
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) July 21, 2026
I first reported in June 2024 that the document was expected to be released in Spring 2025, although that did not happen. Then, in June 2025, TfL confirmed that publication of the sixth edition had been postponed.
The Big Red Book is now available on the Bus Operators section of the TfL website, together with a direct link to the Sixth Edition document (Archive Wayback Machine).
I strongly welcome TfL's decision to publish the Big Red Book Sixth Edition openly on its website. This makes it far more convenient for bus drivers, accessibility groups, transport stakeholders and others to access the document, whilst also making it much easier for search engines to index and find.
Here's a quick look at the document, which covers the core operational guidance, safety procedures, customer service standards and emergency protocols for London's bus drivers.
1. Core Principles and Emergency Protocols
Transport for London's emergency framework is based on the ABCD response system during incidents. Drivers must assess the situation for risks, ensure everyone's safety, request assistance via Code Red or 999 where appropriate, and follow instructions issued by the Surface Control Centre or the emergency services.
2. The Professional London Bus Driver
Before setting off, drivers must carry out a full vehicle walk-around inspection, test wheelchair ramps and AVAS systems, sign into ticketing equipment, and adjust their cab whilst the vehicle is stationary. Whilst in service, drivers must avoid distractions, serve bus stops correctly by giving middle-door priority to wheelchair users, manage full buses appropriately, and secure the vehicle correctly at bus stands.
3. Ticketing, Permitted Items and the Passenger Experience
Drivers are responsible for validating Oyster, contactless and paper tickets, whilst ensuring prohibited items—including unfolded bicycles, e-scooters, hazardous substances and open containers of alcohol—are not brought onto the bus. Buggies may use the wheelchair bay when it is not required, but passengers must be asked to fold or move them if a wheelchair user needs the space.
4. Supporting Accessibility Needs
Drivers must actively support passengers with both visible and non-visible disabilities by deploying wheelchair ramps, lowering the bus where necessary, and providing verbal assistance to passengers who are visually impaired or deaf or hard of hearing. Wheelchair and approved mobility scooter users have priority for the designated wheelchair space. If other passengers refuse to move, drivers must contact the control centre before continuing the journey.
5. Driving Safety and Vision Zero
To support London's Vision Zero road safety ambitions, drivers must follow the Highway Code's road user hierarchy and maintain safe passing distances around cyclists (1.5 metres), horses (2 metres) and pedestrians. Drivers are also expected to use the "look and lean" technique to reduce blind spots and manage fatigue through good hydration, nutrition and adequate rest.
6. Control Communications and Driver Safety
Drivers communicate with the control centre using Code Red for emergencies—including the Guardian protocol for incidents of sexual harassment—and Code Blue for less serious incidents. Unattended items are assessed using the HOT protocol, whilst driver safety is supported through cab security measures, conflict de-escalation techniques, DNA collection kits and dedicated TfL welfare and support services.
Should the Big Red Book Become a National Standard?
As more areas across England adopt bus franchising, or as local authorities establish their own municipal bus companies, I believe TfL should work with the Department for Transport and transport authorities to develop a version of the Big Red Book that could be adapted for bus drivers across the country.
Naturally, each area has its own operating practices, including different ticketing systems, vehicle layouts, numbers of doors and wheelchair spaces. For that reason, a national framework could be accompanied by regional editions reflecting local operational requirements.
I have also previously suggested that TfL should share its latest bus vehicle specifications with franchised bus networks and local authority-owned bus companies to help improve safety, accessibility and passenger experience across England. However, it is important to recognise that different parts of the country face different operational challenges. Many areas continue to rely on single-door buses because of local infrastructure constraints, meaning that London's dual-door designs are not always suitable.
Conclusion
The direct publication of the Big Red Book Sixth Edition is a major win for transparency across London's transport network. By making this essential guidance publicly accessible, TfL not only empowers bus drivers with up-to-date operational and safety standards, but also gives passengers, accessibility advocates, and regional transport bodies a clear benchmark for professional bus operations. As bus franchising expands nationwide, TfL’s comprehensive framework offers a valuable blueprint for raising driver training, safety, and inclusion standards right across the UK.
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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.
Further reading
Does Transport for London Have Too Much Power in Decision-Making?
