List of routes using New Routemaster (NRM) and BYD/ADL Enviro400EV City electric buses
Request ID: FOI-0640-2122 Date published: 20 July 2021
You asked
Dear TFL's Freedom of Information team
I have a FOIA and EIR request about the New Routemaster and BYD/ADL Enviro400EV City electric buses which have design inspired by the NRM.
The London Omnibus Traction Society (LOTS) reported on their Sunday 27 June news, they stated: "Also at RATP three LTs are now allocated to route 71 out of Fulwell."
http://www.lots.org.uk/news.html
1, Can you confirm route 71 is currently allocated with three New Routemasters, will it have full allocation?
2, Can you describe why TfL allocated New Routemasters on routes (such as 71 & 313) outside of Central London?
3, Can you describe why TfL decided to allocate the NRMs to these routes (mentioned above), or is it the decision of the bus operators?
4, Can you release the full list of routes which are allocated with New Routemasters? (Split by day and night routes.)
5, Can you release the list of routes which are allocated with BYD/ADL Enviro400EV double deck electric buses? (Split by day and night routes.)
6, Can you list the routes (including start dates) which will soon expected to serve using new BYD/ADL Enviro400EV double deck electric buses?
7, According to the tender awards which was announced on Friday 18 June (on LOTS news page). Can you interpret on why Stagecoach chose to use the existing NRMs for their new route 55/N55 contract instead of new electric double deck buses?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0640-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 June 2021.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:
1, Can you confirm route 71 is currently allocated with three New Routemasters, will it have full allocation?
New Routemasters (NRMs) are not contracted to operate on this particular route and there are no plans to convert it over to this bus type. However, as there is now little difference between the way a NRM operates and other types of double-deck bus in London, they can support other routes when bus operators need to substitute vehicles for operational or maintenance reasons. All double-deck buses now operate in a very similar way, such as using the front door only for coming on board.
2, Can you describe why TfL allocated New Routemasters on routes (such as 71 & 313) outside of Central London?
NRMs can serve central and outer London. There is no restriction to using them in one part of the capital.
3, Can you describe why TfL decided to allocate the NRMs to these routes (mentioned above), or is it the decision of the bus operators?
As described above, route 71 is not allocated any NRM vehicles. We reached agreement with Arriva to convert route 313 to New Routemaster operation following the release of a similar number of vehicles from route 38.
4, Can you release the full list of routes which are allocated with New Routemasters? (Split by day and night routes.)
The day routes are the 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 21, 24, 27, 38, 55, 59, 67, 68, 73, 76, 87, 91, 137, 148, 149, 159, 168, 176, 189, 211, 253, 254, 267, 313, 390, 415, 453, EL1, EL2 and EL3. The night routes are the N3, N8, N9, N11, N15, N16, N19, N27, N38, N55, N73, N87 and N253.
5, Can you release the list of routes which are allocated with BYD/ADL Enviro400EV double deck electric buses? (Split by day and night routes.)
The list of routes are the 43, 69, 94, 106, 173, 174, 212, 230, 357, 616. For full details of their hours of operation, go to https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/timetables/. This will enable you to find a specific route and click on one of its stops to see the general hours of operation.
6, Can you list the routes (including start dates) which will soon expected to serve using new BYD/ADL Enviro400EV double deck electric buses?
We understand that Abellio, Arriva, Go-Ahead, RATP and Stagecoach have all placed orders for BYD/ADL Enviro 400EV vehicles. Routes likely to receive these vehicles by the end of the year are 49, 65, 132, 160/660; 180 (part), 183, 281, 319, 371 (part) and X140. Start dates are not confirmed yet and dependent on both vehicle deliveries and infrastructure works.
7, According to the tender awards which was announced on Friday 18 June (on LOTS news page). Can you interpret on why Stagecoach chose to use the existing NRMs for their new route 55/N55 contract instead of new electric double deck buses?
We made the contract award on this basis. Of all bids received from all operators, continued operation by Stagecoach using the existing NRM fleet represented the most economically advantageous overall bid received.
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 Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
