The London Night Bus network is a series of night bus routes that serve Greater London. Services broadly operate between the hours of 23:00 and 06:00.
Many services commence from or operate via Trafalgar Square and are extensions or variations of daytime routes and hence derive their number from these; for example, route N73 from Oxford Circus to Walthamstow Central follows that of route 73 as far as Stoke Newington, before continuing further north.[1] [2] [3]
The first night bus was introduced in 1913.[4] By 1920 there were two 'All Night Bus Services' in operation named the 94 and 94a running from 23:30 to 05:30.[5] A few more services were introduced over the following decades, but all ceased during World War II. Services resumed after the war, increasing as trams and trolleybuses were replaced in the late 1950s and 1960s. In 1978 London Transport listed 21 all-night bus routes. On many of these routes, "all-night" service meant a departure frequency of no more than one bus an hour.[6] In April 1984, the number of routes was increased from 21 to 32. At this point the peak service required 80 buses; by August 2013 this had grown to 890.[7]
Originally the night bus network had its own fare structure, but with the introduction of the Oyster card in 2003, it was incorporated into the Transport for London fare structure. Until the mid-2000s, all routes had N prefixes. However, as some routes merely mirrored their day time equivalents, the N prefixes were dropped and these routes became 24-hour services; for example, route N14 was no longer differentiated from route 14.[7]
Services are operated by private operators under contract to London Buses. The Night Bus contracts are often bundled with those of the equivalent daytime routes and awarded for a five-year period, with an optional two-year extension based on performance standards being met. Some however are tendered individually.[7] [8] [9]
With some London Underground lines operating a 24-hour service at weekends from August 2016, a further eight routes commenced 24-hour operation on Friday and Saturday nights.[10] Further changes were made as the Night Tube network expanded.
In May 2015, the Night Bus network was the subject of The Night Bus, a Channel 4 documentary.[11] [12]
Night Bus routes are often related to the day numerical equivalent, normally running the same route but with an extension at either end of the service. This is normally to provide a night service to destinations served by tube or train during the day.
However, there are a few N-prefixed route numbers that have no relation to their daytime equivalents: the N5, N20, and N97 all operate in a different part of London to their respective day routes. Also, the N550 and N551 (which provide night service on parts of the DLR network), and the N271 (whose daytime service was withdrawn on 4 February 2023) have no corresponding daytime routes.
There are also 24-hour routes, which run day and night but usually with a lower frequency during the night hours. The vast majority run the same route at all times. With the introduction of the Night Tube, some day routes have been extended to run during Friday and Saturday nights to serve the stations.
| Route | Start | End | Operator | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | Go-Ahead London | |||
| N2 | ||||
| N3 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N5 | RATP Dev Transit London | |||
| N7 | ||||
| N8 | ||||
| N9 | ||||
| N11 | ||||
| N15 | Go-Ahead London | |||
| N18 | RATP Dev Transit London | |||
| N19 | Arriva London | |||
| N20 | ||||
| N21 | ||||
| N22 | Fulwell | |||
| N25 | Stagecoach London | |||
| N26 | Stagecoach London | |||
| N27 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N28 | Metroline | |||
| N29 | Arriva London | |||
| N31 | ||||
| N32 | ||||
| N33 | RATP Dev Transit London | |||
| N38 | ||||
| N41 | ||||
| N44 | ||||
| N53 | ||||
| N55 | ||||
| N63 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N65 | RATP Dev Transit London | |||
| N68 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N72 | ||||
| N73 | ||||
| N74 | ||||
| N83 | ||||
| N86 | ||||
| N87 | ||||
| N89 | ||||
| N91 | ||||
| N97 | Go-Ahead London | |||
| N98 | ||||
| N109 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N113 | ||||
| N133 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N136 | Go-Ahead London | |||
| N137 | ||||
| N140 | ||||
| N155 | Go-Ahead London | |||
| N171 | ||||
| N199 | ||||
| N205 | ||||
| N207 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N242 | Stagecoach London | |||
| N250 | Arriva London | |||
| N253 | ||||
| N266 | RATP Dev Transit London | |||
| N271 | Metroline | |||
| N277 | Stagecoach London | |||
| N279 | ||||
| N343 | ||||
| N381 | Transport UK London Bus | |||
| N550 | Stagecoach London | |||
| N551 | Stagecoach London |
Route N1 commenced operating on 28 June 1995 between Plumstead garage and Trafalgar Square. It was originally operated by London Central, being taken over by First London on 14 November 1998. On 8 January 2000 it was extended beyond Plumstead to Thamesmead, and in April 2000 withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Aldwych being diverted to Tottenham Court Road station. Upon being re-tendered, the route was taken over by East Thames Buses on 15 October 2005.[7]
In October 2009, East Thames Buses was sold to Go-Ahead London, which included a five-year contract to operate route N1.[13] [14] [15]
Route N2 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between West Norwood station and Trafalgar Square. In October 1984, it was extended north from Trafalgar Square to Friern Barnet and south from West Norwood station to Crystal Palace bus station. In June 1995, it was withdrawn between Camden Town and Friern Barnet, and rerouted to Hampstead Heath. In November 1999, the Trafalgar Square to Hampstead Heath section was withdrawn and replaced by route N24. Upon being re-tendered, it passed from Metroline to Arriva London in April 2000.[7]
Route N3 began operating on 27 October 1989 between Beckenham Junction station and Victoria bus station via Oxford Circus. In October 1993, it was extended to start back at Chislehurst. In May 2000, it was altered to operate between Bromley North station and Oxford Circus. Its operation passed from London Central to Connex on the same date.[7]
Route N3 was included in the sale of Connex to Travel London in February 2004[18] which in turn was sold to Abellio London in May 2009.[19] [20] New Routemasters commenced operating route N3 on 8 February 2016.
Route N5 commenced operating on 28 October 1989 between Edgware station and Victoria bus station. In June 1995, it was withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Victoria. It was operated by Metroline since its inception until July 2020 when it passed to London Sovereign.[7] [22]
Route N7 commenced operating on 30 August 2003 between Northolt and Russell Square partly replacing route N23. It was initially operated by First London. Upon being re-tendered it passed to Metroline on 23 June 2007[24] [25] who commenced a further contract on 21 June 2014.[26] In October 2014 it was withdrawn between Oxford Circus station and Russell Square.
Route N8 commenced operating on 13 August 1988 between Bow Church and Queensbury station. In July 1992, the Marble Arch to Queensbury section was withdrawn, with the route redirected to Victoria bus station. In July 1995, it was altered to operate from Woodford Wells to Trafalgar Square. In June 1999, it once again began operating to Victoria, albeit via Piccadilly Circus. This was altered in April 2000 with it now routed via Berkeley Square. In June 2004, its eastern terminus was altered to Hainault. In June 2009, it was again withdrawn between Oxford Circus and Victoria being replaced by route C2.[7] [28]
Route N8 has been operated by Stagecoach London since its inception. On 28 June 2014, a further contract commenced with New Routemasters.[29] [30] [31]
Route N9 commenced operating on 25 February 1994 between Kingston and Trafalgar Square replacing parts of routes N65 and N97. In March 1997 it was extended from Trafalgar Square to Aldwych. On 29 September 2001, the Hammersmith bus station to Kingston section was withdrawn and the route diverted to Heathrow Central bus station, as well as the new Heathrow Terminal 5 from 2008.[33] Route N9 has been operated by London United since its inception. On 27 January 2024, this route was transferred to Metroline from their Brentford garage.[7]
Route N10 commenced operating on 29 September 2001 between Richmond and Archway station replacing route N9 between Richmond and Hammersmith bus station. Initially operated by London United on 3 September 2004, the route passed to First London. At the same time, the route was withdrawn between King's Cross station and Archway, being replaced by route N390. On 29 January 2010 route N10 was withdrawn and replaced by routes 10 and 33.[7] [35]
Route N11 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between Shepherd's Bush Green and Liverpool Street station. In April 1985 it was extended at both ends, westward to Acton Town and east to Hackney Central. It was extended east again in November 1985 to Hackney Wick. In August 1986 it was diverted at the western end from Shepherd's Bush to Turnham Green, this was reversed in February 1994.[7]
Having been replaced between Trafalgar Square and Hackney Wick in October 1989 by route N6, it resumed operating to Liverpool Street in February 1994. In March 2001 it was diverted at Hammersmith to Wembley Stadium. Having been operated by London United since its inception, on 29 June 2003 it was taken over by London General. On 7 June 2008, route N11 was diverted at West Ealing to Ealing Broadway station being replaced by route 297.[7] [36]
On 23 November 2022, it was announced that route N11 would be rerouted to run to Whitehall instead of Shoreditch following a successful consultation. The withdrawn section of the route is now covered by an extended route N26. This change was implemented on 29 April 2023.[37] [38]
Route N13 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between North Finchley and Trafalgar Square, being extended on 27 October 1984 from North Finchley to Chipping Barnet and on 8 July 1992 from Trafalgar Square to Victoria bus station, the latter being reversed on 23 June 1995. Upon being re-tendered, on 1 September 2001, the route passed from Metroline to London Sovereign being extended from Trafalgar Square to Aldwych on the same day.[7] It ceased on 1 April 2017 when route 13 was converted to 24-hour operation.[40]
Route N15 commenced operating on 15 July 1995 between Becontree Heath and Paddington station to replace a section of withdrawn route N95 between Becontree Heath and Aldgate. In August 1998 the route was extended from Becontree Heath to Romford Market and withdrawn between Marble Arch and Paddington. The latter was reverted in May 2001.[7] In October 2007 the route was extended from Paddington to Paddington Basin. In August 2010 the route was withdrawn between Regent Street and Paddington Basin, this section replaced by route 159.[42] In May 2013 the route was withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Regent Street.[43]
Having been operated by East London since its inception, it was taken over by Go-Ahead London on 26 August 2017 from their Henley Road bus garage, having part of the allocation run from River Road bus garage and additional services run from Camberwell bus garage.[44]
Route N16 commenced operating on 19 January 1991 between Edgware bus station and Victoria bus station via Trafalgar Square. In October 2002 it was rerouted away from Trafalgar Square to run direct from Marble Arch via Park Lane to Victoria. It has been operated by Metroline since the start of service.[7]
On 23 November 2022, it was announced that route N16 would be renumbered as N32 following a successful consultation, due to the re-routing of the daytime route 16. This change was implemented on 29 April 2023.
Route N18 commenced operating on 13 April 1984 between Sudbury and Liverpool Street station. In April 1985 it was extended from Sudbury to Harrow Weald via Edgware at its outer end and curtailed from Liverpool Street to Aldwych at its inner end.[7] Having been operated by First London since privatisation, it was included in the sale of Willesden Junction garage to Metroline in June 2013.[47] [48] In November 2017 operation of the route passed to London United.[49]
Route N19 commenced operating on 28 October 1989 between Clapham Junction station and Finsbury Park station. London General operated it until April 2000 when it was taken over by Arriva London. London General won the route back when re-tendered from March 2012,[51] before it returned to Arriva operation in April 2017.[7] [52] [53]
Route N20 commenced operating on 28 October 1989 from Chipping Barnet to Aldwych as route N1. It was curtailed from Aldwych to Trafalgar Square on 18 July 1992. It was renumbered as N20 on 24 June 1995. First London operated it from 15 July 1998 until it returned to Metroline on 25 August 2003.[7]
Route N22 commenced operating on 24 November 2000 between Richmond and Piccadilly Circus replace the withdrawn section of route N9 between Richmond and Putney Bridge. On 29 September 2001, the route was extended from Richmond to Kingston. On 3 June 2006, it was withdrawn curtailed from Kingston to Fulwell. It has always been operated by London General (now Go-Ahead London).[7] On 16 July 2017, the route was withdrawn between Green Park and Piccadilly Circus and diverted to Oxford Circus via Berkeley Square, partly replacing route C2.[57]
Route N25 commenced operation on 15 July 1995 between Romford station and Trafalgar Square. Initially operated by East London, upon being re-tendered it passed to First London on 26 July 1999. It ceased on 26 June 2004, when route 25 was converted to 24-hour operation.[7] Route N25 was reintroduced on 1 December 2018 when route 25 ceased to be a 24-hour route with Tower Transit operating it.[59] Upon being re-tendered, it was taken over by Stagecoach London on 23 May 2020.[60]
Route N26 commenced operation on 18 July 1992 between Walthamstow Central station and Victoria bus station. It was introduced to replace the withdrawn sections of route N6 between Trafalgar Square and Walthamstow. In 1995 it was curtailed from Victoria to Trafalgar Square but extended at the other end to Walthamstow Fulbourne Road. In 2001 it was rerouted from Walthamstow Central to Chingford station, instead of Fulbourne Road, partly replacing route N38.[7]
On 23 November 2022, it was announced that a proposed extension of route N26 to Victoria, in line with a revised (daytime) route 26, would be going ahead following a consultation; it was implemented on 29 April 2023.
Route N27 was introduced on 3 February 2001 between Turnham Green and Chalk Farm. It was operated by First London. It ceased on 19 March 2004 when route 27 was converted to 24-hour operation.[7] It resumed on 9 March 2019 when route 27 ceased to be a 24-hour route, this time being operated by London United.[63] On 9 November 2019, it was taken over by Abellio London.[64]
Route N28 commenced operating on 29 May 1999 between Camden Town and Southside Wandsworth.[7] On 24 July 2023, the route was diverted via King's Road and Battersea Bridge and terminating at Clapham Junction station from 24 July until 29 July due to Wandsworth Bridge being closed.[66] On 30 July 2023, the route was reinstated to Southside Wandsworth, but diverted via King's Road and Battersea Bridge from 30 July until 2 October, missing stops between New Kings Road and Bridgend Road in both directions due to the closure of Wandsworth Bridge. The route returned to normal running via Wandsworth Bridge when it reopened on 2 October 2023.[67]
Route N29 commenced operating on 27 February 1980 between Enfield Town and Trafalgar Square. On 14 January 2006 it was curtailed from Enfield Town to Ponders End with Mercedes-Benz O530G articulated buses introduced. On 26 November 2011 it was converted back to double deck operation.[7]
Route N31 commenced operation on 11 November 1989 between Camden Town and Notting Hill Gate. It initially operated on Friday and Saturday nights only until it became a seven days a week service on 18 July 1992 with the Alexander bodied Mercedes-Benz 811Ds were replaced by Wright Handybus bodied Dennis Darts that in turn were replaced by Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Darts in 1999.[7]
On 29 May 1999, the route was diverted to terminate at Clapham Junction station. It was converted back to double decker operation in June 2004 with Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs.[7] It was included in the June 2013 sale of First London's Westbourne Park to Tower Transit.[70] [71] Upon being re-tendered, on 28 April 2018 the route passed to Metroline.[72] [73]
Route N32 commenced operating on 29 April 2023 between Edgware bus station and Victoria station when route N16 was renumbered to route N32 as part of the Central London bus changes.
Route N33 commenced operating on 18 May 2019 between Fulwell station and Hammersmith bus station with the curtailment of route 33 due to the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.[76]
Route N35 commenced on 26 April 1997 between Clapham Junction station and Trafalgar Square. In April 2000, the route was withdrawn between Holborn and Trafalgar Square and diverted to Tottenham Court Road station. Having been operated by London Central since its inception, upon being re-tendered in 2009 it was taken over by Travel London.[78] It was included in the May 2009 sale of Travel London to Abellio London.[7] [19] [20] It ceased on 30 April 2016 when route 35 was converted to 24-hour operation.[79]
Route N38 commenced operating on 14 July 1995 as a half hourly service between Trafalgar Square and Chingford Mount with hourly bifurcation to Chingford station and Chingford Hatch, replacing most of Route N96. Initially operated by East London, upon being tendered it passed to Arriva London from 19 April 1997, being diverted to Victoria bus station on the same date. On 28 April 2001, the route was curtailed from Chingford to Walthamstow.[7]
Route N41 commenced operation on 9 December 2000 between Tottenham Hale bus station and Archway. On 5 February 2005 it extended from Archway to Trafalgar Square. It has always been operated by Arriva London.[7]
Route N44 commenced operating on 18 August 1995 between Sutton station and Trafalgar Square. On 26 April 1996 it was extended to Aldwych. It has always been operated by London General (now Go-Ahead London).[7]
Route N53 commenced operating on 27 October 1989 between Erith and Victoria bus station. On 28 July 1995 the route was extended at either end to Thamesmead and Oxford Circus. On 8 January 2000 the Thamesmead to Plumstead section was withdrawn. On 28 June 2002, the route was withdrawn between Plumstead and Erith. On 15 February 2003 it was withdrawn between Whitehall and Oxford Circus. It ceased on 20 March 2004 when route 53 was converted to a 24-hour service.[7] It was reinstated on 15 June 2019 when route 53 ceased to be a 24-hour service.[76]
Route N55 commenced operating on 28 April 2001 between Whipps Cross and Oxford Circus station. On 25 June 2004 it was extended from Whipps Cross to Woodford Wells. It has always been operated by Stagecoach London.[7]
Route N63 commenced operating on 16 November 2002 between Crystal Palace bus station and King's Cross station. It is operated by Transport UK London Bus.[7]
Route N65 commenced operating on 31 August 2002 between Kingston upon Thames and Ealing Broadway station. It ceased on 24 January 2004 when route 65 was converted to 24-hour operation.[7] It was reintroduced on 25 October 2018 between Chessington World of Adventures and Ealing Broadway.[87]
Route N68 commenced operating on 27 March 1999 between Purley Cross and Trafalgar Square. On 28 April 2000, the route was diverted at Aldwych via Kingsway, and High Holborn to Tottenham Court Road station and extended from Purley to Old Coulsdon. Having been operated by Arriva London from its inception, on 31 March 2006 it was taken over by London Central and on 31 March 2018 by Abellio London.[7] [89]
Route N72 commenced operating on 5 September 1999 between East Acton and Roehampton. It ceased on 24 April 2004 when route 72 was converted to 24-hour operation.[7] With the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, it was reintroduced on 18 May 2019.[76]
Route N73 commenced operating on 22 September 1989 between Walthamstow Central station and Victoria bus station. On 17 June 2017, it was withdrawn between Victoria and Oxford Circus, being replaced by route 390.[7] [92]
Route N74 commenced operating on 23 November 2002 between Roehampton and Baker Street station.[7]
Route N83 commenced operating on 13 September 2002 between Ealing Hospital and Golders Green station. Operated by First London, it ceased on 16 April 2004 when route 83 became a 24-hour service.[7]
It was reintroduced on 13 September 2016 when route 83 was curtailed to only operate between Alperton and Golders Green stations and route 483 introduced between Ealing Hospital and Harrow bus station.[95] [96]
Route N86 commenced operating on 26 June 2004 between Harold Hill and Stratford bus station replacing the withdrawn section of route N25 between Harold Hill and Ilford.[7]
Route N77 commenced on 18 August 1995 between Tolworth and Trafalgar Square. On 3 June 2006 route N77 was renumbered N87 and curtailed between Tolworth and Fairfield bus station.[7]
Route N89 commenced operating on 28 June 2002 between Erith and Trafalgar Square.[7]
Route N91 commenced operating on 25 February 1994 between Hornsey Rise and Trafalgar Square. On 23 June 1995, the route was extended from Hornsey Rise to Potters Bar. Having been operated by MTL London since its inception, when re-tendered it passed to Capital Citibus on 31 January 1997. It passed with the Capital Citybus to First London in July 1998. When next tendered, it was awarded to Metroline from 6 February 2009.[7] [101]
The route is primarily used as a night replacement for the Piccadilly line between Piccadilly Circus and Hammersmith stations. Passengers can then continue their journey using night routes N91 (to Cockfosters) or N9 (to Heathrow). There is currently no night service for the Uxbridge branch. Operation of the route passed from London United to Tower Transit on 5 March 2016.[103]
Route N98 commenced operating on 19 August 1995 between Stanmore station and Trafalgar Square. On 29 April 2000 the route was diverted at Oxford Circus to Red Lion Square. Initially operated by CentreWest, since 3 February 2001 it has been operated by Metroline.[7]
Route N109 commenced operating on 11 March 1994 between Coulsdon and Aldwych. It was withdrawn on 17 September 1999, being replaced by route N159. It was reintroduced on 28 August 2010 between Croydon and Oxford Circus station replacing route N159. Initially operated by Arriva London, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Abellio London on 31 January 2015.[7] [106] [107]
Route N113 commenced operating on 30 June 2012 between Edgware bus station and Trafalgar Square partly replacing route N13.[109] [110]
Route N133 commenced operation on 24 January 2003 between Tooting and Liverpool Street bus station. On 1 September 2007 it was diverted at Streatham to Mitcham. Having been operated by London General since its inception, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Arriva London on 22 January 2010.[7] [112]
Route N136 commenced operating on 9 February 2008 between Chislehurst and Oxford Circus station replacing route N36 between Grove Park and Oxford Circus. Having been operated by Stagecoach London since its inception, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Go-Ahead London on 27 May 2017.[7] [114]
Route N137 commenced operating on 16 March 2001 between Crystal Palace bus station and Oxford Circus station. Having been operated by London Central since its inception, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Arriva London on 9 July 2004.[7] [116]
Route N140 commenced operating on 31 March 2000 between Harrow Weald bus garage and Heathrow Central bus station. It ceased on 16 April 2004 when route 140 was converted to a 24-hour service.[7] It was reinstated on 7 December 2019 when route 140 was withdrawn between Heathrow Central bus station and Hayes & Harlington station and also when route 140 ceased to be a 24-hour service.[76]
Route N155 commenced operating on 18 August 1995 between Sutton station and Trafalgar Square. On 28 May 1999, the route was extended from Trafalgar Square to Aldwych. On 12 December 2003, it was withdrawn between Sutton and Morden, being replaced by route N44. It has been operated by London General (now Go-Ahead London) since its inception.[7]
Route N171 commenced operating on 27 April 1996 between Hither Green station and Trafalgar Square. In 2000 it route was diverted at Aldwych to Tottenham Court Road station instead of Trafalgar Square. In 2006, the route was changed to terminate at Catford bus garage instead of Hither Green, and so mirror the day 171 route.[7]
On 30 April 2011 it was rerouted back to Hither Green station.[120] It is operated by Go-Ahead London.
Route N199 commenced operating on 12 September 2015 between St Mary Cray station and Trafalgar Square to replace discontinued night bus N47.[122]
Route N205 was introduced on 31 August 2013 when route 205 ceased to be a 24-hour route. It has been operated by East London since its inception.[124] [125]
Route N207 commenced operation on 11 October 1996 between Uxbridge station and Victoria bus station. On 12 November 1999 it was diverted at Oxford Circus to Aldwych. On 28 April 2000 it was again rerouted to Bloomsbury Square.[7] Having been operated by First London since privatisation, it was included in the sale of Hayes garage to Metroline in June 2013.[47] [48] Upon being re-tendered, it passed to Abellio London on 6 April 2019.[127] [128]
Route N242 commenced operating on 31 January 2003 between Homerton University Hospital and Tottenham Court Road station. It ceased on 23 April 2004 when route 242 was converted to a 24-hour service.[7] It was reinstated on 15 June 2019 when route 242 ceased to be a 24-hour service.[76]
Route N250 commenced operating on 29 August 2003 between Brixton and Fairfield Halls. It ceased on 20 March 2004 when route 250 was converted to a 24-hour service.[7] It was reinstated on 2 November 2019 when route 250 was withdrawn between Fairfield Halls and West Croydon bus station and also when route 250 ceased to be a 24-hour service.[76]
Route N253 commenced operating on 3 September 1993 running between Aldgate bus station and Euston bus station. On 25 November 1994 it was extended to Trafalgar Square. On 29 May 1998, the route was withdrawn between Trafalgar Square and Tottenham Court Road station.[7]
Route N271 commenced operating on 4 February 2023 between Finsbury Square and Tally Ho Corner following the withdrawal of daytime route 271.[133]
Route N277 commenced operating on 30 June 2018 between Cubitt Town and Islington.[135]
Route N279 commenced operating on 26 April 1996 between Upshire and Victoria bus station. On 15 October 1999 it was withdrawn between Upshire and Waltham Cross. On 15 October 2004 it was cut back from Victoria to Trafalgar Square.[7]
Route N343 commenced operating on 2 February 2001 between New Cross garage and Victoria bus station. Having been operated by London Central since its inception, about being re-tendered it was taken over by Travel London in 2006.[138] It was included in the sale of Travel London to Abellio London in May 2009.[19] [20] Upon being re-tendered it returned to Go-Ahead London on 13 February 2018.[139]
Route N381 commenced operating on 9 October 1999 between Peckham and Whitehall. Initially operated by London Central, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Connex on 9 October 2004.[141] It was included in the sale of Connex to Travel London in February 2004[18] which in turn was sold to Abellio London in May 2009.[19] [20]
Route N550 commenced on 30 October 2008 between Canning Town bus station and Trafalgar Square replacing route N50 between Canning Town and East Beckton. Initially operated by East London, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Tower Transit on 31 August 2013.[7] [143] When next tendered it passed to CT Plus on 1 August 2018.[144] It is now operated by Stagecoach London.
Route N551 commenced on 30 October 2008 between Gallions Reach Shopping Park and Trafalgar Square. Initially operated by Go-Ahead London, upon being re-tendered it was taken over by Tower Transit on 31 August 2013.[7] [143] When next tendered it passed to CT Plus on 1 August 2018.[144] It is now operated by Stagecoach London.