Request ID: FOI-1473-2324 Date published: 15 August 2023
You asked
I'd like to make an FOI request regarding the following:
1) It has been noticed that new bus tender awards with either Diesel or Hybrid vehicles will all terminate by the end of year 2030. Has the target date to transition to a Zero Emission fleet now been brought forward from 2034 to 2030?
2) How will the challenges that arise at bus depots with charging facilties be tackled for Electric buses?
3) Apart from the Fuel Cell Hydrogen Buses on route 7 at Perivale Garage, will any further orders be made or will it only be Battery electric buses?
4) Are there any plans to create a Zero Emission Zone in Central London by 2025 which would require changes to bus routes operational vehicles?
5) What plan would be followed by 2030 for the existing Diesel and Hybrid vehicles in terms of phasing out of the TFL Bus Network?
6) Will there be a time in the foreseeable future where all bus tender awards will solely be awarded with Zero Emission buses? As stated on question 1, currently all new awards with existing Diesel and/or Hybrid buses are either 5 or 6 year based to expire by the end of 2030 at the latest.
7) Will Night Bus routes also be operated with Battery Electric buses in the foreseeable future?
8) Will all the new Superloop bus routes be operated with Zero Emission buses? A rumour going around that Battery Electric buses would not be able to operate on route X26 due to it's length/distance travelled? Is this true? If so how will it be addressed?
Kindest Regards
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1473-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 4 August 2023, asking for information about TfL’s bus fleet.
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:
It has been noticed that new bus tender awards with either Diesel or Hybrid vehicles will all terminate by the end of year 2030. Has the target date to transition to a Zero Emission fleet now been brought forward from 2034 to 2030?
No, the target date remains the same; the end of 2034 for a fully zero emission fleet. Subject to the availability of the necessary funding from Central Government, this date could be potentially advanced to the end of 2030. However, to date the necessary funding has not been provided / identified. However, we have allowed for the necessary flexibility in contract awards for diesel / hybrid should funding be made available in the future to advance the date to the end of 2030.
How will the challenges that arise at bus depots with charging facilities be tackled for Electric buses?
Any challenges are envisaged to be location specific and will be discussed on a local basis with the appropriate operator.
Apart from the Fuel Cell Hydrogen Buses on route 7 at Perivale Garage, will any further orders be made or will it only be Battery electric buses?
TfL’s requirement is zero emission fleet. We welcome bids from operators using all appropriate technologies including hydrogen and electric.
Are there any plans to create a Zero Emission Zone in Central London by 2025 which would require changes to bus routes operational vehicles?
No.
What plan would be followed by 2030 for the existing Diesel and Hybrid vehicles in terms of phasing out of the TFL Bus Network?
Please refer to question 1.
Will there be a time in the foreseeable future where all bus tender awards will solely be awarded with Zero Emission buses? As stated on question 1, currently all new awards with existing Diesel and/or Hybrid buses are either 5 or 6 year based to expire by the end of 2030 at the latest.
Please refer to question 1.
Will Night Bus routes also be operated with Battery Electric buses in the foreseeable future?
Please refer to question 1.
Will all the new Superloop bus routes be operated with Zero Emission buses? A rumour going around that Battery Electric buses would not be able to operate on route X26 due to its length/distance travelled? Is this true? If so how will it be addressed?
No, the Superloop routes will be considered alongside all other routes for conversion to zero emission technology. Many of the current and proposed Superloop routes will be operated with hybrid and diesel buses. The comment about route X26 is incorrect, although extra vehicles may be required due to range of constraints prior to vehicles requiring recharging.
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
