London's Red Bus Fleet: ~8,500 Buses (2022)

As of 2022, Transport for London (TfL) operated approximately 8,500 red buses across the capital's 675+ routes.

Fleet Details

• Total vehicles: ~8,500 (fluctuates with retirements/procurement)
• Types: Double-deck (majority), single-deck, articulated (bendy buses phased out)
• Propulsion: Increasingly hybrid/electric; zero-emission target 2034
• Manufacturers: Wrightbus, Alexander Dennis (Enviro400), BYD, Optare
• Depots: 80+ across London

Operations

• Routes: 675+ (including 24-hour, night, school, express)
• Daily passengers: ~6 million (pre-COVID)
• Annual km: ~500 million
• Contracted operators: Arriva, Go-Ahead, Metroline, RATP, Stagecoach, Sullivan Buses, etc.

Iconic Status

The red double-decker (Routemaster heritage, now New Routemaster) is a global London symbol. TfL specifies livery, accessibility (low-floor, ramps), and tech (iBus, USB charging, contactless).

Note: Fleet size changes annually. For current figures, consult TfL's annual report or Freedom of Information disclosures.