London Bus Ridership Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels, Tube Lags

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, March 27th 2026 at 2:19 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - March 27th, 2026 - London's transport network continues to demonstrate a bifurcated recovery, with bus ridership now exceeding pre-pandemic figures while the Underground remains significantly below its 2019 peak. New data released today by Transport for London (TfL) reveals a striking contrast in travel patterns, raising questions about the future of London's transport infrastructure and funding needs.

For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, daily bus passenger numbers have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, hitting 1.55 million. This marks a significant milestone and a clear indication of a shift in how Londoners are choosing to navigate the city. Meanwhile, the Underground, traditionally the backbone of London's commute, is lagging behind, currently operating at only 78 per cent of its pre-pandemic ridership - approximately 5.4 million daily journeys compared to the 6.95 million recorded in 2019.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has described the bus surge as a "positive step," but cautioned that the overall situation remains "fragile." "The increase in bus passengers demonstrates a welcome return to public transport for many Londoners," Khan stated in a press conference earlier today. "However, we must acknowledge the continuing challenge of attracting tube users back, and we are committed to understanding and addressing the reasons behind this disparity."

TfL attributes the rise in bus travel to a combination of factors. Changing work patterns, with a substantial increase in hybrid and remote working, appear to be contributing to more localized travel. Instead of lengthy commutes to central London offices, many individuals are now opting for shorter trips within their boroughs, making the bus a more convenient and viable option. Furthermore, TfL reports a growing perception of buses as a safer and more comfortable mode of transport, potentially influenced by concerns surrounding enclosed spaces like the Underground during the pandemic.

This shift in preference has been actively supported by TfL's 'Bus for London' plan, which has seen an expansion of bus routes and increased service frequencies. The plan, initiated several years ago, aimed to modernize the bus fleet and improve the overall passenger experience, and appears to be yielding positive results. The investment in electric and hybrid buses, alongside real-time information systems and improved accessibility, is likely contributing to the increased appeal of bus travel.

However, the diverging trends between bus and tube usage present a complex challenge for TfL. While increased bus ridership provides a much-needed revenue stream, the continued low levels of tube usage are exacerbating the organization's ongoing financial difficulties. TfL has been heavily reliant on government funding throughout the pandemic, and is currently engaged in delicate negotiations with ministers regarding a long-term sustainable funding model. The disparity in ridership figures is likely to strengthen TfL's argument for continued financial support, emphasizing the need for investment in maintaining and upgrading the Underground network.

Experts suggest that a multi-faceted approach is needed to revitalize tube travel. This could include initiatives to improve station cleanliness and safety, enhance accessibility for disabled passengers, and offer more flexible ticketing options. Furthermore, encouraging employers to incentivize tube travel through subsidized fares or travel allowances could also play a role. Some analysts have also pointed to the impact of ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Elizabeth line, which may have temporarily diverted passengers away from older tube lines.

The long-term implications of these trends remain to be seen. Will the tube ever fully recover to pre-pandemic levels? Or will Londoners continue to favour the bus, even as working patterns normalize? TfL faces a critical task in adapting to these changing travel behaviours and ensuring a resilient and sustainable transport network for the future. The organization has committed to further data analysis to understand passenger motivations and refine its services accordingly. A dedicated task force is now assessing the long-term impact of the pandemic on London's transport landscape and recommending strategic adjustments to ensure the city remains moving.