First London (FirstGroup bus operator in Greater London)

Former FirstGroup subsidiary that operated contracted bus services across Greater London for Transport for London; created in the late 1990s and wound down as garages were sold between 2007 and 2013.

Overview

First London was the name given to FirstGroup's bus operations in the Greater London area. Operating under contract to Transport for London, the company provided scheduled urban bus services on routes across the capital. Though belonging to a national transport group, its London buses ran in the standard red livery required for city services while carrying modest operator branding.

Operations and fleet

As a TfL contractor, First London ran a mix of services ranging from high-frequency central routes to suburban and cross‑borough lines. Its fleets typically included both double-deck and single-deck vehicles and, over time, incorporated low-floor accessibility and newer emission-reduction technology as these features became industry standards. Depot sites (garages) served as local bases for drivers, maintenance staff and vehicle stabling.

Organization and services

Contracted route operation under the London tendering system.
Maintenance and scheduling from multiple garages across Greater London.
Driver training, customer service and compliance with TfL performance standards.

History and development

First London was formed in the late 1990s following FirstGroup's acquisition of a number of independent London bus companies. The consolidation reflected wider trends in the UK bus industry at the time, where national operators expanded into metropolitan markets. For much of its existence the business provided everyday public transport for commuters, shoppers and tourists under contracts awarded by Transport for London (TfL) and serving the broader Greater London area.

Decline and disposition

During the 2000s FirstGroup decided to reduce its footprint in London's contracted bus sector. Garages and operating units were progressively sold or transferred between December 2007 and July 2013, and the last parts of the operation ceased under the First London name in September 2013. Assets and routes were taken on by other operators or closed, reflecting both strategic choices by FirstGroup and the dynamic nature of TfL contracting.

Legacy and significance

First London's decade‑plus presence illustrates how national transport companies participated in London’s regulated bus market. Its operations contributed to the everyday running of the city's network and provided experience in meeting TfL standards for punctuality, safety and accessibility. The winding down of First London is also an example of how operators realign their businesses in response to corporate strategy and the competitive tendering environment in urban transit.