Why are so many London buses crashing?

London's buses are crashing at an alarming rate, with the number of accidents rising by nearly 20 percent since 2019. In 2025, there were 15,390 bus crashes, equivalent to almost every bus in the city crashing twice in a year. These crashes are not minor – in February, a double-decker bus crashed into a theater, injuring six people, and in July, a single-decker bus crashed into a house in Notting Hill.

The City of London seems unconcerned about the rising number of accidents, despite 10 people being killed by London buses in 2025. The mayor's ambitious goal of zero bus deaths by 2030 is unlikely to be met, as TfL has admitted. Bus safety measures have remained stagnant, and TfL has extended its target of ending all public transport deaths to 2041.

Bus drivers have called for a "Bus Bill of Rights" to address concerns, but the mayor has not implemented these improvements. Critics argue that the current contract structure encourages speeding, and that a nationalised bus company would not solve the problem. The mayor must take urgent action to address this safety issue, rather than focusing on vague promises and distractions.