London Bus Tender Awards: New Routemasters to Continue on Route 453

The London Bus Tender Awards, announced by Transport for London (TfL), have revealed that the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemasters will continue to operate on route 453.

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

Route 385
Retained by: Stagecoach East London
PVR: 1
Vehicles: Existing diesel single deck
Contract Start Date: 18th October 2025
Contract End Date: 20th October 2028

Transport Funding in the 2025 UK Spending Review: Strategic Considerations for London

In this article, I will highlight key details from the UK Government’s HM Treasury Spending Review 2025, with a particular focus on public transport. While the broader review includes major commitments to the National Health Service (NHS), this piece will concentrate on the financial commitments and policy direction for transport infrastructure.

London Bus Tender Awards: Route 149 to Continue Using New Routemasters, New Electric Buses for Route 275, and Go-Ahead London Central Wins Bakerloop Express BL1 Contract – Launching in September 2025

 

Bakerloop BL1 Bus - TfL Image

In this special London Bus Tender Awards update, it has been revealed that Arriva London has retained route 149 and will continue to operate three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemasters.

The Bakerloop Express BL1 route, part of the Superloop network, has been awarded to Go-Ahead London Central, who will introduce electric buses. The service is expected to launch on 27 September 2025.

Transport for London Once Again Postpones Release of the Big Red Book Sixth Edition

This short article provides an update on the progress of the much-anticipated sixth edition of the Big Red Book, which many had expected to be released in 2025. The information was published by Transport for London (TfL) in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Request ID: FOI-0610-2526
Date Published: 2 June 2025

London Bus Tender Awards: New Double-Decker Electric Buses For Routes 240 and 486

Transport for London (TfL) has awarded new bus contracts for routes 123, 158, 240, and 486. Routes 240 and 486 will operate with new electric double-deck buses from 2026, while routes 123 and 158 will continue with existing hybrid vehicles.

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

Why Transport for London Should Trial Bus Designs from Other Countries with Improved Accessibility Features and Stakeholder Feedback

This article follows on from my previous article, 'Exploring the Challenges and Considerations of Buses with Two Wheelchair Spaces And Buses of Longer Size', where I stated:

"This would allow TfL and organisations representing older and disabled people to evaluate different features used in buses across various cities and trial them in passenger service. It would also provide an opportunity to gather feedback from individuals and stakeholders."

Why Public Feedback Should Shape Transport Policy: Consultation and Decision-Making in Transport for London's Bus Service Changes

Route 205 leaflet from 2002 - © TfL

Transport for London’s (TfL) consultation report on the proposed changes to bus routes 30 and 205 included a reference to one of my tweets, which I appreciated. As some of my followers on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mastodon, and Bluesky may have seen, I’ve been sharing excerpts from the report.

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses for Routes 51, 162, 178, 244, 291, and B11, and Arriva Wins Route 248 with New Routemasters

Transport for London (TfL) has revealed the latest round of bus contract awards, highlighting continued progress towards a zero-emission fleet. Routes 51, 162, 178, 244, 291, and B11 are set to operate with electric buses, including a mix of new electric single and double-deck vehicles. Route 248 will continue to be operated with the existing three-door, two-staircase New Routemaster hybrid buses.

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

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Single-Deck Buses for Route 493

As we are in the middle of May 2025, the recent London Bus tender awards have revealed that Transport UK London has won the route 493 contract, with new single-deck electric buses for Transport for London (TfL).

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

TfL to Trial Bus Passenger Counting Systems (Again) and Revive the Routemaster's 'Ding Ding' Sound to Improve Bus Safety

Earlier this year (2025), I revealed that Transport for London (TfL) would be trialling new features to improve safety for bus passengers, including details about the revival of the ‘ding ding’ sound, which could become part of the new bus safety standard if the trials prove successful.