Request ID: FOI-1283-2223 Date published: 06 September 2022
You asked
1) When was the 1st Hybrid buses launched into TFL service?
2) Have Hybrid buses been a successful project?
3) What advantages do Hybrid buses have over conventional Diesel buses?
4) Why will Hybrid buses no longer be procured into TFL service?
5) Will Hybrid buses operate for longer than conventional Diesel buses in TFL service?
6) How many Electric buses are currently operating or expected on TFL Buses?
7) Will the rollout of new Electric buses accelerate?
8) Will anymore Hydrogen buses be ordered?
9) I'm aware that conventional Diesel are reducing rapidly. How many currently remain in TFL service & how soon will they continue to decrease?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1283-2223
Thank you for your request received on 24 August 2022 asking for information about hybrid and electric buses.
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 do hold the information you require. You asked:
1) When was the 1st Hybrid buses launched into TFL service?
The first hybrid double deck bus was introduced into service in 2006.
2) Have Hybrid buses been a successful project?
Hybrid buses were introduce to help reduce carbon emissions and continue to meet the demands of the London bus network. There are around 3,800 hybrid buses operating in London.
3) What advantages do Hybrid buses have over conventional Diesel buses?
Hybrid buses help to reduce carbon emissions by using a combination of diesel and electric power. Thereby emitting less harmful emissions helping to improve air quality and tackle climate change.
4) Why will Hybrid buses no longer be procured into TFL service?
In order to move to a zero-emission bus fleet, the Mayor and TfL announce in September 2021 that all new London buses will be zero-emission.
5) Will Hybrid buses operate for longer than conventional Diesel buses in TFL service?
The majority of vehicles (either hybrid, diesel, or zero-emissions) in London are estimated to remain in service for anywhere between 10 to 14 years.
6) How many Electric buses are currently operating or expected on TFL Buses?
At present, there are 836 electric vehicles in the London bus fleet.
7) Will the rollout of new Electric buses accelerate?
The future rollout of new electric buses will be dependent on several factors, including the cost effectiveness to convert routes from conventional to zero-emission buses.
8) Will anymore Hydrogen buses be ordered?
There are currently no further hydrogen buses planned to join the existing fleet of 20 hydrogen double deck fuel cell buses.
9) I'm aware that conventional Diesel are reducing rapidly. How many currently remain in TFL service & how soon will they continue to decrease?
There are close to 4,000 diesel buses in the fleet. When they leave the fleet will depend on when route contracts end and the age of the vehicle at the end of a route contract.
If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.
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
