Right, a few predictions of mine for the London bus network. I'll do my wider society ones a bit later!
We see more electric bus orders - and I expect to see the first orders of the mini E200EV, the Volvo BZL and the Jewel E.
A TfL funding deal is agreed at the last minute with "less" draconian cuts of circa 5-10% to most services including buses and the definite postponement of projects like Bakerloo extension. Possibility of projects like DLR to Thamesmead continuing based off developer contributions. Also expect the intended RPI+1 fare rise will be watered down as with rail fares.
Throughout the year, and especially towards the end, many more proposals for significant restructuring of the inner/Central London bus network appear, envisaging the merging and withdrawing of several routes and vastly changing the face of many others. The 1/168 and 21/271 changes proceed, perhaps with a tweak or two.
At least 2-3 bus garages are closed or mothballed. Metroline Perivale is already expected to close soon. No garages open bar the Hayes relocation.
Progress is made on further tweaks to the outer London bus network, with Meridian Water & Waltham Forest a particular focus. The 497 is withdrawn.
The Stagecoach/Natex merger goes ahead - and at least one other operator changes ownership or sells up to another. Arriva likely changing ownership at a upper level, perhaps Lea Interchange changing hands.
The 159 returns to Arriva after a hiatus of 7 years and they stage a wider bounce back after lots of recent losses. Metroline continue to steadily decline but retain operation of key routes.
Most routes eligible receive a 2 year extension.
The Putney routes (14/39/74/430 etc) in a much revised format are awarded to RATP in a shock result after challenging the £10 a mile awards of recent times, enabling full utilisation of Wandsworth and Westbourne Park.
Almost all pre-2009 buses disappear from use and a large number of diesel doubles are replaced with hybrids displaced from cuts.
The 322 Optares enter service late.
Driver shortages continue further nessciating service cuts like we've seen with RATP and potentially the sub contracting of some routes, potentially even to an operator like Ensign.
Crossrail opens in May and the 304 finally gets introduced before the year end.
That's about it I think. Check back in a year to see how good my crystal ball is...
