As Wrightbus is expected to go to administration due to cash flow problems. This has prompt me to ask you questions about the future of the New Routemaster. 1. What are the plans to keep the New Routemaster fleet maintained? 2. What are the plans for mid term refurbishment of your New Routemaster fleet? 3. What are the life expectation of the New Routemaster fleet in service? 4. How does TfL plan to repair New Routemasters after a road collision? 5. What are TfL’s plan with the New Routemaster fleet once Wrightbus goes to administration? 6. What are the cost benefits of the New Routemaster bus? 7. Will the successor of the New Routemaster retain the aesthetics used from the New Routemaster bus?

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Our ref: FOI-1825-1920

Thank you for your request received on 16 September 2019 asking for information about 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 requested. You asked:

1. What are the plans to keep the New Routemaster fleet maintained?

All buses in the fleet are maintained by their respective operating companies. At the current time, Wrightbus is looking for a potential buyer to take over its business.

2. What are the plans for mid term refurbishment of your New Routemaster fleet?

There are no changes to plans to refurbish buses at their mid-life point of seven years. Many vehicle components come from a range of UK suppliers such as seat materials.

3. What are the life expectation of the New Routemaster fleet in service?

All types of established vehicles in the London fleet have a notional working life of 14 years in London. As many operators have fleets within and outside London, some may redeploy vehicles before or after that 14-year point.

4. How does TfL plan to repair New Routemasters after a road collision?

Please see answers to question 1 and 5.

5. What are TfL’s plan with the New Routemaster fleet once Wrightbus goes to administration?

We are monitoring the situation with Wrightbus’ administrators (Deloitte) to understand the most likely outcomes for TfL and its bus operators. All our bus routes have spare vehicles so that that can continue operating robust services in the event of maintenance or repairs, or private hire. A proportion of operator vehicles are held back for this purpose.

6. What are the cost benefits of the New Routemaster bus?

At the time of its introduction, the NRM was the cleanest hybrid bus in the fleet and helped London retain an iconic symbol. There is a Mayor’s question on this subject which provides a short explanation at https://www.london.gov.uk/questions/2015/0068

7. Will the successor of the New Routemaster retain the aesthetics used from the New Routemaster bus?

There is no plan for a successor vehicle at this time but some manufacturers have taken some of the rounded design features from the vehicle and used them on their own makes and models.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London

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