Our Ref:         FOI-1080-2021

Thank you for your request received on 14 September 2020 asking for information about bus routes converting to electric buses and New Routemasters (NRMs).

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require. You asked:

1. Can you provide the dates for routes 23, 69, 173, 174, 200 and 319 converting to electric double deck buses?

Many planned conversions of routes to new or different technology buses have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.  We anticipate all of the above routes will convert to electric operation by Autumn 2021.

2. Can you list the upcoming routes converting to electric buses?

We do not hold a fixed list of routes earmarked for conversion. We invite bids from operators, evaluate what comes forward, and award contracts on the most economically advantageous options. This may result in routes being awarded on new zero-emission vehicles, existing vehicles or a mix of vehicles.

3. Can you confirm if route 313 will convert to New Routemasters, and can you provide the date please?

Yes – the nearest date we can give is mid-October 2020.

4. What is the purpose of converting route 313 to NRMs?

To utilise the NRM vehicles released as a result of a reduction on route 38.

5. Which routes you plan to convert to existing New Routemasters?

There are no further plans for routes to convert NRM but, if service changes take place which release NRMs for further use; we will continue to seek the best alternative use for them

6. Can you list the routes currently serving New Routemaster buses?

NRM buses are allocated to routes 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, 390, 415, 453, EL1, EL2, EL3, N3, N8, N9, N11, N15, N16, N19, N38, N55, N73, N87, N253, and NEL1.

7. Can you provide an update on the New Routemaster conversion to front door boarding?

All NRM routes are now front-door boarding in common with the way the vast majority of the fleet typically operates.

If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.

The impact of current circumstances on TfL’s resources means we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.
 
Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]