Breakthrough Agreement: TfL, Unite and Bus Operators Agree New Air Conditioning Upgrade for London Bus Cabs

Driver's cab of the New Routemaster
Photo by Equipmake

Fresh off the wire, Transport for London (TfL) has announced a major agreement to upgrade air conditioning systems for bus drivers across the capital. Given the significance of this update, I have put together a dedicated article to dive deeper into the details surrounding cab air conditioning, how TfL plans to carry out the rollout, and the underlying technical specifications.

This is undoubtedly welcome news for drivers. The heatwaves throughout 2026 have made working conditions appalling for both transport staff and commuters alike.

London Bus Tender Awards: New Routemasters to Continue on Routes 59 and 137/N137, With More New Electric Buses for Route 265

As we are now in September 2026, with the summer over and the new school term beginning, Transport for London has announced that the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemasters will continue to operate on routes 59 and 137/N137 as part of the new contracts retained by Arriva London. Meanwhile, route 265 will receive further new electric single-deck buses as part of the new contract awarded to Go-Ahead London.

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