London Bus Collision Numbers Rise as TfL Continues Safety Push

The number of London buses involved in crashes and collisions has increased in recent years, according to new data released by Transport for London (TfL).

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request show there were 15,390 reported incidents involving buses in 2025, following nearly 16,000 in 2024.

This marks a notable rise compared to 2019, when 12,857 incidents were recorded—the earliest year with comparable data.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when travel levels were significantly reduced, collision numbers were lower, with 11,035 incidents in 2020 and 12,380 in 2021. However, as passenger numbers and traffic volumes recovered, incidents have steadily increased, reaching 13,754 in 2022 and 14,986 in 2023.

TfL clarified that the figures include all reported damage, ranging from minor issues such as scratches, broken mirrors, and damaged lights to more serious collisions. The data does not assign fault or indicate which road user may have been responsible for each incident.

While not all incidents result in injuries, TfL acknowledged that some do, and reiterated its commitment to improving safety across the network.

A spokesperson said: “It is completely unacceptable that anyone should be killed or seriously injured while travelling, and we remain committed to eliminating death and serious injury from London’s transport system.”

The organisation pointed out that lower traffic levels during the pandemic contributed to fewer incidents in 2020 and 2021, with the subsequent rise reflecting a return to more typical travel patterns.

TfL says it continues to invest in a wide-ranging bus safety programme, working alongside operators, manufacturers, trade unions, and local authorities to reduce risks across the network.

This includes targeted measures to cut collisions, improvements in safety processes and data collection, and the rollout of redesigned bus fronts aimed at reducing the severity of impacts involving vulnerable road users.

The latest figures come amid wider scrutiny of London’s bus network, with issues such as vehicle conditions and passenger experience also attracting attention in recent years.

Despite the increase in reported incidents, TfL maintains that ongoing safety initiatives are delivering improvements and will remain a priority as the capital’s transport system continues to evolve.