Sadiq Khan’s London Bus Reclaimed for Public Ownership

Transport for London Launches New Public Bus Operator

Transport for London is taking direct control of bus services in the capital, marking a policy shift after three decades of private operation. The initiative kicks off with route 6, which runs between Willesden and Victoria, scheduled to transfer to public hands in late 2027.

At the moment, private firms handle all 700 of London’s bus routes using seven-year contracts. Transport for London insists that running select routes directly will yield tighter control over reliability and safety standards. Mayor of London Lord Khan described the transition as an opportunity to really reimagine our bus network, setting the stage for a phased rollout.

Park Royal Depot and Zero-Emission Fleet Rollout

Operations will anchor initially out of the Park Royal Depot located in west London, which will house roughly 100 zero-emission buses. Matthew Carpen, chief executive of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, explained that the facility will temporarily support London’s transport network.

Following the late 2027 launch of route 6, additional routes will transition to the public operator starting in 2028.

Union Backing and Political Backlash

The decision has drawn sharp reactions across the political and labor spectrum. Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, praised the move as a positive step toward securing well-paid, unionised jobs after long-running discussions with Transport for London.

Conversely, political opponents have slammed the initiative. Critics, including figures targeting the mayor, have attacked Lord Khan, with opponents accusing him of running a mad vanity project through this public bus power grab. Despite the friction, Transport for London is pressing ahead with its depot preparations and vehicle allocations.