Sadiq Khan returns London buses to public ownership for first time in 30 years with new 'Buses for London' brand

From the Newshound archive · first published 25 September 2026 · last updated 26 September 2026.

Transport for London is to launch a publicly owned bus company called 'Buses for London', marking the capital's first move away from fully privatised bus operation in three decades. Route 6, between Willesden and Victoria, is to become the first publicly run service when the company launches in late 2027, with four further routes to follow from 2028. Private operators have hit back, saying passengers don't need a new public company — they need faster, more reliable journeys. Lord Khan has framed the move as a chance to "reimagine" the network, cut costs and meet climate targets.

London's roughly 700 bus routes are shared among eight private operators under contract, with profits flowing to shareholders rather than back into the network.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham welcomed the announcement, saying outsourcing "hasn't worked well for workers or passengers" and bus firms have been "raking in huge profits".

The new company's first depot, at Park Royal in west London, will house around 100 zero-emission buses on a lease running to 2033, after which the site is due to be redeveloped for homes.