Transport UK London Bus, which operates bus services on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), is introducing a car sharing solution to support the management of its vehicles used for driver changeovers across different depots.
Targa Telematics’ Car Sharing solution enables secure and keyless vehicle access for authorised drivers, on 80 vehicles of different makes, models and ages distributed across four of the six depots managed by Transport UK London Bus.
Delivery has been successfully completed on 68 vehicles, with the Twickenham and Beddington depots now fully operational. Installation at the Southall and Hayes depots is underway and expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.
The solution will enable Transport UK London Bus to ensure that access to ferry vehicles is seamlessly managed through a digital system that replaces the need for physical key cabinets. Providing audit visibility and restricting access to authorised personnel only, Targa Telematics’ suite of services removes the operational disruptions caused by lost or unreturned keys, delivering increased fleet utilisation and reducing costs. Driver authentication is carried out using individual Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards scanned on a dashboard mounted reader, which de-immobilises the vehicle and automatically records the start of each new driver’s session. A formal logout process at the end of each journey ensures traceability and sustained vehicle availability.
Transport UK London Bus currently operates around 70 bus routes, representing an 11% share of London world-famous red bus market, and manages a fleet of approximately 1,000 buses, 30% of which are zero-emission.
“We are proud to partner with Transport UK London Bus in supporting the smooth operation of one of the capital’s most important transport networks. Driver changeovers are a critical but often unseen part of urban bus operations. By digitising access to ferry vehicles and removing the operational risks associated with physical key management, our Car Sharing solution will drive greater efficiency, accountability and service continuity. The partnership demonstrates how advanced digital mobility solutions can strengthen operational resilience within complex public transport environments, significantly improving fleet management”, said Chris Horbowyj, UK Commercial Director at Targa Telematics.
David Cutts, Managing Director at Transport UK London Bus, added: "Ensuring our drivers reach their changeover points on time is an essential part of providing a reliable bus service. Following a successful proof of concept trial, we are very pleased to partner with Targa Telematics, who have created a safe and seamless system for our people to access ferry vehicles, an increasing number of which, like our buses, are zero-emission electric. Congratulations to all involved for delivering an innovative IT-based solution that benefits both our colleagues and passengers".
