New contract wins announced for London routes

In the latest round of tendering, Metroline and Stagecoach retained a number of existing contracts which were due to expire in mid-2020, while Abellio West London is to lose one route to London United. Existing operator Metroline will retain routes 271 and 460, both of which will use hybrid double-deckers with a combined PVR or 24. Metroline West retains route 331, with 8 2015 single-deck buses, and Stagecoach East London will continue to operate routes 498 and 499, with six and seven buses respectively. Abellio West London sees route K1 transfer to London United, which will use a fleet of new Euro VI single-deck buses. The new contract for route 271 will commence on 4 April, those for the 460, 498, 499 and K1 on 27 June and that for route 331 on 4 July.