Eight North London bus routes saved by new operator after company withdraws services

Sullivan buses, which runs the 217, 298, 299, 327, 389, 399, 549 and W9 bus routes, said on Friday it had “reluctantly” decided to withdraw its services.

TfL has now arranged for other operators to provide services over the affected routes.

In a post on X on Sunday August 4, TfL said: “Following an operator ceasing bus services in London, we have arranged for other operators to provide services on the affected routes.

“Full service is now planned from Monday August 5 on 327, 389, 399, 549 and W9. Reduced service on routes 217, 298 and 299.

“Please note that real time information will not be available for these routes until further notice.”

Sullivan buses explained “pressures on TfL funding” had a "direct impact" on its ability to run the services.

In a statement it said: “Unfortunately, the remuneration for providing TfL’s services has not kept pace with the increasing costs of service delivery.

“In addition, financial penalties as a result of an increase in traffic congestion post Covid, has further impacted on the viability of our TfL contracts.”

Sullivan also said that at the time of the meeting, TfL owed it more than £130,000 which TfL had initially offered to repay "in instalments".

"This is a considerable sum of money for a small business and the lack of these funds have undoubtedly impacted upon our ability to deliver the contracted services," it added.

While all eight services have been saved, TfL says it expects its new operators to restore a full timetable on all but three of the bus routes.

The services expected to operate reduced services include the 217, which is expected to operate every 18 minutes instead of every 12.

The 298, which is expected to operate every 30 minutes instead of its usual 20, and the 299, which should now be expected every 20 minutes instead of the usual 15.

TfL has yet to confirm when these services will be fully restored or whether the new operator will take over the services on a permanent basis.

Rosie Trew, TfL’s Head of Bus Service Delivery said: “We’re sorry for any disruption caused to people’s journeys due to the withdrawal of the bus operator, Sullivan Buses. We are working hard to provide alternative travel options for people in the north London area with eight bus routes affected. We encourage those who are affected to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app.”