Transport for London (TfL) has announced that from 29 September 2007 the 472 bus service, from the O2 arena in North Greenwich to Thamesmead, will run 24 hours a day throughout the week.
"London's night bus network has expanded dramatically in recent years"
John Barry
Head of Network Development for London Buses

London's night bus network has expanded dramatically in recent years

The route will provide a half-hourly service throughout the night improving night time links from the O2 arena to Woolwich, Plumstead and Thamesmead.

In addition, the frequency on the route will be increased to a bus every six minutes on weekdays; with a bus every 10 minutes in the evening from Monday to Saturday.

Weekend services are also increasing in frequency.

John Barry, Head of Network Development for London Buses, said: "The new 24-hour service on route 472 is another accessible transport connection for late night travellers in the Capital.

"London's night bus network has expanded dramatically in recent years with passenger numbers more than doubling since 2000.

"Almost half the users are people travelling to or from work."

The change comes following a review of the existing service.

Notes to editors:

  • All London's buses have in-vehicle CCTV and all except the Heritage Routemasters are accessible to wheelchair users
  • With more than 8,000 buses on approximately 700 routes, the London bus network has seen usage increase by 45 per cent since 1999/2000
  • As well as the 24-hour service, the 472 will run with increased frequency:
    • From Monday to Friday, there will now be 10 buses per hour throughout the day
    • The normal evening service from Monday to Saturday will increase from five buses per hour to six
    • On Saturdays, there will now be eight buses per hour during the day
    • On Sundays, there will be an extra bus per hour during shopping hours and in the evening, bringing the total to six