Boris Buses to Be Removed From Route 267
Move is part of a broader programme of axing the New Routemasters
A New Routemaster bus on Chiswick High Road
March 7, 2026
Route 267 is set to lose its “Boris buses” as part of Transport for London’s continuing move away from the New Routemaster fleet. The change to the route which runs through Brentford and Chiswick to Hammersmith marks another step in the gradual withdrawal of the hybrid double-deckers introduced under former Mayor Boris Johnson. The units have been steadily phased out across London because of reliability issues, high maintenance costs and the shift toward fully electric buses.
The New Routemasters were introduced from 2012 with a promise of lower emissions, iconic design and conductors on the rear platform. Over time, the model became controversial. The rear platform was closed except at stops, the second crew member was removed, and the buses developed a reputation for poor ventilation, battery failures and expensive bespoke parts. TfL has since confirmed that the fleet is no longer being refurbished and will be retired route by route as contracts renew.
On the 267, the withdrawal of the New Routemasters coincides with the start of a new operating contract. The route will be served instead by a modern fleet of standard double-deckers, expected to be either hybrid or fully electric depending on the final allocation. Electric buses are increasingly common on nearby routes, and the 267’s corridor through Brentford and Chiswick is already earmarked by Abellio for further electrification as depot capacity expands. The replacement vehicles will offer improved accessibility, better air-conditioning and more reliable battery systems than the outgoing fleet.
Service levels on the 267 are not expected to change as a result of the fleet switch. Journey times and frequencies will remain the same, and passengers should notice little difference beyond the change in vehicle type. The main impact will be behind the scenes, where operators will benefit from buses that are easier to maintain and more compatible with London’s wider fleet.
The removal of the New Routemasters from the 267 is part of a wider pattern across west London. Routes including the 9, 148 and 390 have already transitioned to newer models, and TfL has said the remaining Boris buses will be phased out over the next few years as contracts expire.
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