FOI request detail

Electric & Hybrid Buses Lifespan

Request ID: FOI-0396-2324
Date published: 25 May 2023

You asked

Dear Sir/Madam. For decades now, once a diesel bus has reached the end of its useful life in the capital, they are generally sold off, refurbished, and put to work across all other parts of the UK for many years. Can you please let me know what TFL's plans are, when it comes to the 'end of life' treatment for London's current and future fleets of electric and hybrid buses. Given the market outside the capital is extremely limited, or when it comes to used electric buses, practically nonexistent. Many thanks.

We answered

Our ref: FOI-0396-2324/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 9 May 2023 asking for information about Electric & Hybrid Buses Lifespan.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

The Bus Operating Companies lease or own the majority of the buses in TfL’s bus fleet. Once vehicles reach their natural end of life, the vehicles are often returned by the Bus Operating Companies back to the leasing companies or sold. The same is expected of hybrid and electric buses. These buses could move to other parts of the UK, or globally as cities and countries convert their fleets to low or zero-emission.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

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