Request ID: FOI-1756-2223 Date published: 04 November 2022
You asked
1) As TFL plans to convert the entire bus fleet to 100% Zero Emission by 2030 (with support from the government) or 2034 at the latest, why as of now are bus contracts being awarded with existing Diesel and/or Hybrid buses?
2) In the future will only Zero Emission buses be considered for new bus tender awards?
3) How likely will all buses be Zero Emission by 2030 should support come from the central government?
4) Are there any plans to retrofit existing Diesel or Hybrid buses to Zero Emission?
5) In the future is it possible that bus routes will have mid contract upgrades to Zero Emission buses depending on funding?
6) Is it true that certain bus depots would have difficulty to install chargers for Zero Emission buses?
We answered
TfL Ref: 1756-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 20 October 2022 asking for information about the future of zero emission buses.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
1) As TFL plans to convert the entire bus fleet to 100% Zero Emission by 2030 (with support from the government) or 2034 at the latest, why as of now are bus contracts being awarded with existing Diesel and/or Hybrid buses?
2) In the future will only Zero Emission buses be considered for new bus tender awards?
We can advise that the target to convert the whole of the London Buses fleet to zero emission is by the end of 2034. However, there is currently no funding identified to advance this date. Contract awards therefore continue to be awarded on existing buses for seven or five year terms; alongside awards for new zero emission vehicles.
3) How likely will all buses be Zero Emission by 2030 should support come from the central government?
As there is no confirmed financial support from the government, Transport for London cannot currently comment on its likeliness.
4) Are there any plans to retrofit existing Diesel or Hybrid buses to Zero Emission?
There currently no plans for retrofitting Diesel or Hybrid vehicle to zero emission in any quantity. However, some ‘proof of concept’ electric conversion of an existing Hybrid/Diesel bus may take place.
5) In the future is it possible that bus routes will have mid contract upgrades to Zero Emission buses depending on funding?
At the current time we do not envisage any requirement to do this – nevertheless, negotiations to change contracts can always take place if necessary.
6) Is it true that certain bus depots would have difficulty to install chargers for Zero Emission buses?
The technology chosen for zero emission operation and associated infrastructure works to enable the London Buses fleet to convert to zero emission operation are the responsibility of the bus operating company rather than TfL. With such a large number of operational sites; we understand from operators that some are more difficult than others to install the necessary infrastructure required. Additionally, ease/difficulty can vary over time as well.
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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
