Request ID: FOI-0229-2223 Date published: 18 May 2022
You asked
New buses used on route 322 operated by Abellio using Switch Mobility Solos have these red "snorkels" on the front where the black paneling is on Optare Solo models. This same red "snorkels" are on route 200 operated by Go-Ahead London using Switch Mobility Metrodeckers (image https://www.flickr.com/photos/wltmauc/51279255829/) Are these a safety feature, because they do not look nice.
We answered
TfL Ref: 0229-22223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 2 May 2022 asking for information about the front design of buses on routes 322 and 200. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: New buses used on route 322 operated by Abellio using Switch Mobility Solos have these red "snorkels" on the front where the black paneling is on Optare Solo models. This same red "snorkels" are on route 200 operated by Go-Ahead London using Switch Mobility Metrodeckers (image https://www.flickr.com/photos/wltmauc/51279255829/). Are these a safety feature, because they do not look nice.
TfL has various requirements for safety on all new buses, however how a manufacturer decides to satisfy those requirements is a matter for the manufacturer themselves.
Generally speaking, the feature on the buses you are asking about isn’t a safety feature in itself - the change to design may have been prompted by the need to meet new safety standards; but the final design of the buses will largely be pure design modelled around the safety requirements.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
