TfL Names Temporary Bus Stop After Viral London 'Bus Aunty'

When Bemi Orojuogun, affectionately known as “Bus Aunty,” visited Transport for London’s Control Centre on Wednesday, she and her numerous followers were unaware that something significant, coupled with an unexpected delight, was about to brighten her day.

The Nigerian-born social media star recently received a behind-the-scenes tour of TfL’s Control Centre. During the tour, she met some of the individuals responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of London’s extensive transport network.

The highlight of her visit came at a bus stop in Southwark. As part of the visit, a temporary electronic message reading “Welcome Bus Aunty” was displayed. This prompted Orojuogun to excitedly declare on Instagram, “Bus Aunty has her own bus stop! My goodness! I am so lucky.” She went on to express her gratitude to TfL and its staff, saying, “TfL, I love you all. I love everyone who works so hard. On behalf of all Londoners, thank you for your hard work. We love you and appreciate you.”

The post swiftly garnered thousands of likes and enthusiastic comments on Instagram, prompting TfL to express their gratitude, saying, “What an honour for us!” However, it was on TikTok that the star power truly shone, amassing over 50 million views and nearly seven million likes.

It’s important to note that this display was a temporary tribute and not an official renaming of the Southwark bus stop.

A TfL spokesperson told Vantage Magazine: “We were delighted to recently welcome Bus Aunty to TfL’s Control Centre. Buses are one of the best ways to explore the capital, connecting communities and helping millions of people travel across the capital every day. We value Bus Aunty’s ongoing support for buses and London’s extensive bus network.”

The clarification comes after several social media posts and reports interpreted the “Welcome Bus Aunty” message as meaning that TfL had officially named a bus stop after her.

For Orojuogun, though, the gesture appears to have been just as meaningful.

From London buses to a national audience

Orojuogun’s rise to fame began with something remarkably simple: her love of London buses. Her popularity has since opened doors well beyond social media.

““Bus Aunty has her own bus stop! My goodness! I am so lucky.””

She has collaborated with prominent brands such as Burberry, IKEA, and TfL. Her unique online persona has made her a well-known figure in London’s cultural and commercial scene.

She was also nominated for Best Media Personality at the 2026 MOBO Awards, alongside a formidable lineup of broadcasters, creators, and media personalities.

From buses to the Prime Minister

One of her most high-profile engagements this year came in July, when she appeared alongside Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a campaign promoting England’s £2 bus fare initiative.

Burnham featured Orojuogun in a social media video filmed on a bus, with the encounter providing another glimpse of the personality that has made “Bus Aunty” such a popular figure online. The Guardian reported that the video became one of Burnham’s most successful social-media posts of the week, attracting more than two million views.

The appearance was another sign that her influence has moved beyond the Nigerian and African communities with which she has a strong connection.

More than a social-media character

Orojuogun’s success has also made her an example of how an ordinary passion can become an unexpected cultural brand.

Her videos do not rely on elaborate production, controversy or celebrity gossip. Instead, her appeal has largely come from her personality and her genuine affection for London’s buses.

That authenticity has resonated with audiences in Britain and beyond, and major organisations have recognised the value of the connection she has cultivated with her followers. Her latest visit to TfL’s Control Centre brings this relationship full circle. While there may not be a permanently named “Bus Aunty” stop in Southwark, for a woman whose social media career was centred around London’s buses, seeing her name appear on a TfL bus stop display, even temporarily, is still a memorable milestone. Judging by her reaction, Bus Aunty is perfectly content to enjoy the ride.