Amazon enters London bus market as it starts running four lines
Amazon has entered the London bus market, providing services for employees and contractors.
The e-commerce giant has four routes – which are run by contracted operators – to connect London to the outskirts where most of its warehouses are located, according to a MyLondon report.
Unlike TfL buses that are red, have the logo and accept Oyster card payment, Amazon buses can be of any shape and colour and do not accept the TfL pass.
At the price of £4 for a return ticket, Amazon bus routes run every few minutes between 5am and 7am, resuming service 12 hours later – allowing employees enough time to start and finish their shifts.
The lines that are run by the e-commerce giant are AZ1/AZ2:, from Woolwich/Thamesmead via Erith to Amazon’s Dartford Fulfilment Centre. This route is reportedly for pre-booked ticket holders only and is entirely unadvertised.
Then there is LCY2, from West Ham via Barking and Rainham to Amazon’s Tilbury Fulfilment Centre.
Finally, the LTN2 line is also run by Amazon, starting/ending in Wembley Park to Amazon’s Hemel Hempstead Fulfilment Centre.