Reviewing and Suggesting a New Common Bus Specification for London, Greater Manchester and Other Franchised Areas

In this article, I will be reviewing Transport for London's (TfL) New Bus Vehicle Specification version 2.5 and Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Bus Specification for their franchised Bee Network and suggesting a new common bus specification for London, Greater Manchester, other franchised areas, municipal bus companies, etc. I will also briefly include the specification for the three-door, two-staircase bus named New Routemaster (NRM).

As the documents are too detailed and specific, I will show the relevant parts and make a comparison. Some of my readers may have seen the comparison of the bus specifications posted on my social media pages.

My Response To TfL’s Bus Action Plan, Published In March 2022 - Does London Have The Largest Bus Rapid Transit System? And Bus Improvement Plans In The UK And Ireland

I realise I’m rather late with my report covering this news but I’ve been writing this article in my spare time. I have also included the news from Manchester and Ireland about their bus improvement plans.

On 11th March 2022, Transport for London unveiled their new Bus Action Plan to help improve bus services in Greater London.

From TfL Press Release

Bus Action Plan sets out TfL's priorities for faster journeys, an improved customer experience, and the decarbonising of the network.

Arriva orders ADL-BYD Enviro400EV City for route 319. Stagecoach Manchester unveils Enviro400EV Citys - Plus COVID-19 update

Today I have more news regarding the new double deck electric buses for London.

The unofficial London Bus Routes website has announced that bus operator Arriva London have placed an order for 19 Alexander Dennis-BYD Enviro400EV City vehicles for their route 319 contract which is expected to enter service this September 2020. (subject to delay due to COVID-19)