TfL iBus2 Bus Information System Upgrade
TfL is developing and testing a replacement for the technology that tracks its buses, predicts arrival times and provides on-board stop announcements.
Known as iBus2, the upgrade will introduce new computers on buses and trams, alongside a central system for processing their location and journey information. TfL awarded INIT a £160 million, ten-year contract in March 2024. The contract covers the new equipment, implementation and continuing services. The original programme scope covers approximately 8,850 buses and trams across London.[1][2]
Current position
The programme is in development and testing. Problems integrating the new equipment with existing on-board card readers delayed the design. Fleet rollout is reported for 2027–2029, following development and acceptance testing.
What will change
- The existing system uses GPS to track vehicles and calculate arrival predictions. iBus2 is intended to improve predictions using journeys made earlier the same day, giving passengers information that better reflects current traffic.
- Diversion updates will be available through on-board announcements, displays and journey-planning apps. New tools will help drivers and controllers manage disruption.
- New equipment will support 4G and 5G connectivity, replacing the existing system’s reliance on 2G. The programme will also maintain audio and visual next-stop announcements for passengers.
- The £160 million contract spans ten years of equipment replacement and services. Fleet installation is planned; the replacement is not yet in operational use across the network.
Timeline
4 March 2024
TfL awards INIT a ten-year contract worth £160 million.
2025–2026
Design and testing continue following a delay to the on-board card-reader interface.[3]
2027–2029 — planned
Planned installation across the fleet.