Transport for LondonLondon Buses
There are more than 700 London bus routes
To learn about the history of London's buses, visit the Transport Museum.
Management
More than 90 per cent of Londoners live within 400 metres of one of the 19,500 bus stops in the Capital. The network requires constant management and development to meet the changing needs of travellers.
All bus services are kept under regular review, supporting the policies set out in the Mayor's Transport Strategy. We aim to provide a network which is reliable and easy to use for all Londoners.
We are responsible for:
- Planning and engagement
We engage with stakeholders including boroughs, London TravelWatch and the public on changes to the network - Managing the service providers
We manage the performance of the companies and offer quality incentives to ensure high standards - Managing 19,500 bus stops and stations
We make sure stops and stations are accessible and have clear information - Research and development
We organise research and development across all aspects of London's bus service. Examples include the New Bus for London, zero-emission hydrogen buses and innovative passenger information
Looking ahead
We benefit Londoners by constantly improving the quality of service for passengers.
High standards
Our Quality Incentive Contracts keep standards high by measuring the quality of service passengers receive from operators. We also work with the operators to develop training materials and qualifications for their operating staff.
Smoother journeys
We work with London boroughs to make the case for bus priority for smoother journeys. In addition, projects like the East London Transit service help make journeys between new developments and local town centres easier.
Better information
Using buses is easier than ever, with information provided through:
- iBus announcements on board our buses
- Countdown - real-time bus arrival information
- Better web and mobile interfaces - interactive bus maps and information on disruption
- Enhanced maps and timetables at bus stops, including spider maps
Safer journeys
We want you to have the safest journey possible. All our vehicles are equipped with CCTV. Drivers, revenue protection inspectors and officers from the Metropolitan Police Safer Transport Command have a direct link to our control centre.
Better buses
London has one of the world's largest fleets of modern, accessible buses, with all vehicles (except Heritage Routemasters) accessible to wheelchair users.
To improve comfort and performance, we've introduced:
- Air-cooling systems on the upper deck of new double-deck buses
- Filters to reduce harmful emissions
- Better fuel efficiency with the New Bus for London
- 400 new diesel-electric hybrid buses by March 2013
Performance
We report on the overall performance of the network and each individual route at regular intervals. You can see the performance of your bus service here
London Buses is part of our Surface Transport division. Bus issues are regularly discussed at the Surface Transport Panel. You can also view board papers for more information on finance and performance.
To comment on any aspect of London's bus service please send us feedback.
