Sadiq Khan pledges new Bus Company to bring capital’s routes back into public ownership

Sadiq Khan has pledged to create a new London bus company to bring the capital’s routes back into public ownership after 30 years of privatisation.

The bold plan – which was announced yesterday – could see the vast majority of London’s 675 bus routes gradually taken out of the hands of private companies for the first time since 1994.

The Labour mayor said the proposal would be a “next-generation transport programme”, if he is re-elected on May 2.

Currently the capital’s bus network is operated by 16 privately-run bus companies. But under Sadiq’s new policy once contracts on routes came to an end, they would be reviewed to decide whether to bring them under the new public operator.

Mr Khan said the plan would offer better value for money, consistency and service to all Londoners and visitors to the city and would also provide stability if operators were to fail during their existing contracts. 

The move follows an announcement by shadow Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, that a future Labour administration would remove the Tory Government’s ban on publicly-owned bus companies. 

Earlier this month, Sadiq announced plans for a Superloop-style ‘Bakerloop’ express bus route, which will track the route of the proposed Bakerloo line extension while work on it progresses.

Mr Khan said: “I’m proud of my record delivering on Londoners’ transport priorities – bringing in the Night Tube, the Elizabeth Line, the Hopper fare and the Superloop, all while freezing TfL fares for five years.

“Delivering the next generation of major transport projects in London will of course require a partnership with the central government. 

“But if re-elected I will keep arguing the overwhelming case for the Bakerloo Line extension, the West London Orbital and DLR extension to Thamesmead.”

Pictured top: Sadiq Khan (Picture: PA)