Targa Telematics digitises London bus driver changeovers

Targa Telematics has signed a partnership with Transport UK London Bus to manage the operator's "ferry" vehicles used for driver changeovers between depots in London.

The agreement covers the roll-out of Targa Telematics' Car Sharing system across 80 vehicles of different makes, models and ages, distributed across four of Transport UK London Bus's six depots.

Transport UK London Bus runs services on behalf of Transport for London, operating around 70 routes and holding about an 11% share of London's red bus market.

Digital access

The Car Sharing system replaces physical key cabinets with a digital process. Drivers authenticate using individual RFID cards scanned on a dashboard-mounted reader, which de-immobilises the vehicle and logs the start of a session.

It also includes a formal logout at the end of each journey, improving traceability and keeping vehicles available for the next authorised user.

Pool vehicles are widely used by fleet operators and public transport providers for staff movements alongside core passenger services. In London bus operations, ferry vehicles move drivers between relief points and depots for handovers, and their reliability can affect service punctuality during shift changes.

Targa Telematics says the system can reduce disruption caused by lost keys or keys not being returned, while providing audit visibility and restricting access to authorised personnel.

Roll-out progress

Deployment has been completed on 68 of the 80 vehicles, according to the companies. Twickenham and Beddington are now fully operational.

Installation at Southall and Hayes is under way and is expected to finish by the end of April 2026.

The project spans vehicles of varying ages and specifications, which can complicate standardisation across depot operations. It also reflects a wider shift towards digitising fleet processes that previously relied on manual controls, including key management and paper-based logs.

Transport UK London Bus manages a fleet of about 1,000 buses, with around 30% described as zero-emission. In a separate company description, it says it has around 950 vehicles, including 330 zero-emission electric buses, and employs about 3,000 colleagues across six locations.

The operator also provides rail replacement and event transport services across the UK. These activities can require rapid scaling of vehicle usage and staffing, increasing the importance of access controls and clear driver accountability.

Operational focus

Shift changes can create operational pressure at peak times. Any delay in getting drivers to their next vehicle can affect service regularity. Fleet utilisation also depends on vehicles being ready and accessible when needed, particularly when pool vehicles are shared across depots or teams during the day.

Chris Horbowyj, UK Commercial Director at Targa Telematics, said:

"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."

Transport UK London Bus began the deployment after running a proof of concept. David Cutts, Managing Director, said:

"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."

Targa Telematics operates in several European markets, including the UK, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, and also has a presence in Chile. The London Bus deployment will continue at Southall and Hayes as installation is completed across the remaining vehicles.