A publicly owned bus company called Buses for London will begin operating services in the capital starting next year, according to Transport for London (TfL). The launch marks a key step in TfL’s broader strategy to improve the reliability, safety, and efficiency of London’s bus network. The new company will initially take over a small number of routes, beginning with route 6, which connects Willesden to Victoria station, by late 2027. Four additional routes will be announced for operation by the public company in 2028. TfL explained that creating a public bus company would allow it to have more direct control over how services are managed. This, they said, would enable the reinvestment of profits into the transport network and help improve the overall quality of service. Currently, TfL contracts bus services to eight private operators. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, praised the move as an opportunity to revamp the bus system to offer better value, support climate goals, and enhance safety for both passengers and drivers. London’s bus system has faced challenges in recent years, with buses becoming slower and passenger numbers declining. This is partly due to increasing traffic congestion and competition for road space. Lorna Murphy, TfL’s director of buses, described the new public company as the start of an “exciting new chapter” for London’s transport. A new depot in the Old Oak regeneration area will serve as the base for the first generation of zero-emission buses, contributing to a more sustainable transport system. Unions have welcomed the transition to public ownership, arguing that private operators have not provided satisfactory conditions for workers or reliable services for passengers. Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, stated that returning bus services to public control is a long-standing demand. She criticized private companies for offering poor working conditions and profiting from the system at the expense of passengers and drivers. Wayne King, a union representative, said the move is just the beginning and that Buses for London should set new standards in worker treatment and conditions. However, private bus operators have expressed concerns. The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which represents private bus companies, argued that the new public company would not address the root issues with London’s buses. Graham Vidler, CPT’s chief executive, noted that buses in London typically travel at only 9 mph, slower than the average cyclist. He emphasized that passengers need faster, more reliable services and that investment should focus on reducing congestion and improving bus priority. He warned that the uncertainty caused by the new public operator could discourage private companies from continuing to invest in London’s bus network.