Tuesday, 22 September 2026

London Bus Tender Awards: Route 38 to Continue Using Hybrid New Routemasters Along with New Route 10

Following Transport for London's (TfL) approval of changes to routes 10, 19, and 38, despite passenger opposition during the consultation, it has been announced that Arriva London North has won the contracts for the new route 10 and route 38 using existing three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemasters.

LBSL intends to enter into a new contract for the following route with the operator listed below:

Route 10
Current Operator: N/A (new route)
New Operator: Arriva London North
PVR: 21
Vehicles: Existing New Routemaster
Contract Start Date: 14th November 2026
Contract End Date: 16th November 2029

Route 38/N38
Retained by: Arriva London North
PVR: 16
Vehicles: Existing New Routemaster
Contract Start Date: 14th November 2026
Contract End Date: 16th November 2029

Route 91/N91
Retained by: Go-Ahead London General
PVR: 19
Vehicles: Existing Hybrid Double Deck
Contract Start Date: 30th January 2027
Contract End Date: 31st January 2031

The hybrid vehicles detailed above will meet Euro VI emissions standards.

The new route 10 will operate between Newington Green and Battersea Bridge.

Some of my readers may recall that I reported on the consultation for the proposed changes to routes 19 and 38 back in January 2026 to encourage participation.

Route 38 holds a notable place in modern London transport history, having originally seen the debut of the prototype New Routemasters when they entered revenue service in February 2012.

As for route 10, the former iteration previously ran between Hammersmith and King's Cross station before being withdrawn on 24th November 2018, having been operated by New Routemasters. The section between Marble Arch and Hammersmith was initially replaced by rerouting route 23, which was subsequently altered in April 2023 to run via Piccadilly to Aldwych.

The new route 10, alongside amendments to routes 19 and 38, is scheduled to launch on 14th November 2026.

A look at the consultation outcome reveals that 64% of respondents felt the changes to route 19 would make journeys less convenient, while 72% expressed the same concern regarding route 38, and 37% opposed new route 10. Additionally, 225 respondents commented on bus vehicle types, likely advocating for alternatives such as tram-style buses or zero-emission electric New Routemasters. Could this feedback be the reason why hybrid New Routemasters are being retained on route 38 and introduced to the new route 10?

Transport for London’s consultation report confirms revised changes to routes 19 and 38 and new route 10. Despite opposition, the plans will proceed with adjustments, including extending route 10 to Newington Green and improving N38 operating hours. haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/bus-routes-1...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) June 26, 2026 at 11:25 AM

Here are the highlights of my posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) and BlueSky. If you have an account on X and BlueSky, you are welcome to like and retweet my posts.

🇺🇸 New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority will seek bids for 650 new CNG buses, its largest single fleet upgrade since 2013. The buses will replace ageing vehicles, improve reliability and reduce emissions. Proposals are due by 19 October 2026. www.mta.info/press-releas...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 11, 2026 at 4:20 PM

Transport for London Freedom of Information release: March 2026 research by 2CV found 45% of Londoners were highly willing to share data, 50% potential sharers and 5% reluctant. Clear public benefits and greater control over data sharing could improve uptake. tfl.gov.uk/corporate/tr...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 13, 2026 at 12:29 PM

Original Tyne and Wear Metro trains feature in a new 75-metre urban gallery beneath Newcastle’s 55 Degrees North roundabout. The project showcases 39 artworks by Newcastle College students, including four inspired by the Class 599 fleet. nexus.org.uk/news-media-h...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 14, 2026 at 4:15 PM

🇮🇪 Irish Government has approved MetroLink for detailed tendering, with enabling works due to begin early next year. The 19km mostly underground line will link Swords and Dublin city centre, with 16 stations and services every three minutes at peak times, improving links across the capital region.

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 16, 2026 at 12:37 PM

🚆🚍📈 Northern Ireland recorded 84.0 million public transport journeys in 2025-26, up 3.6% on the previous year. Rail journeys rose 19.2% to 15.9 million, while Translink employed 4,324 full-time equivalent staff. www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/public-...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 17, 2026 at 11:10 AM

Gallows Corner flyover and roundabout have fully reopened after major refurbishment and strengthening works. The project has renewed the ageing structure, removed restrictions and added new pedestrian and cycle crossings for safer journeys. tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/gallows...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 21, 2026 at 10:32 AM

🇭🇰 M+ and KMB have brought “Designing Life” onto Hong Kong’s streets, with three themed open-top buses and a dedicated audio guide on the HK1 route. The initiative runs until November 2026, extending the exhibition into everyday city life. kmb.hk/news_detail....

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 21, 2026 at 7:38 PM

Gallows Corner flyover and roundabout have fully reopened after major refurbishment and strengthening works. The project has renewed the ageing structure, removed restrictions and added new pedestrian and cycle crossings for safer journeys. tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/gallows...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) September 21, 2026 at 10:32 AM

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.
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