I'm writing to make an FOI request about the foreseeable future of London Buses. Please could you answer the following: 1) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic will tender results be announced later than scheduled? 2) Will more bus routes be awarded with Electric vehicles for their new contracts? 3) Will there be any bus route withdrawals or route shortening in the foreseeable future? 4) Why has bus route 180 been awarded with a partial allocation of existing Hybrids rather than a full allocation of Electrics? 5) As the tender result for bus routes 55/N55 & 56 are due to be announced this Spring, what is the possible outcome of the tender result and are both routes likely to receive new electric vehicles? 6) Going forward into the long term future is it possible that bus routes could entirely be axed, similar to the Central London Bus Changes which took place in 2019? 7) What are the long term plans for New Routemaster vehicles? I'd be more than grateful if you could answer the above questions. Kindest Regards

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TfL Ref: FOI-1973-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 4 January 2021, 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 that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:

1) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic will tender results be announced later than scheduled?

Tender results are only announced once the evaluation award process is complete. The Coronavirus pandemic may have an impact upon this but it all depends on individual circumstances. The proposed award date is purely a guide of when an announcement might be made.

2) Will more bus routes be awarded with Electric vehicles for their new contracts?

Yes, as we are introducing a rising number of electric vehicles to the fleet on our journey to becoming an entirely zero-tailpipe-emission fleet by 2037. This is likely to see the introduction of more zero emission buses as and when suitable and affordable bids come forward. 

3) Will there be any bus route withdrawals or route shortening in the foreseeable future?

There has always been extending and shortening of bus routes because people’s travel patterns change and the network needs to be reshaped to accommodate these changes. Any significant potential bus route withdrawals or route shortenings will be advised through the consultation process in the usual way.

4) Why has bus route 180 been awarded with a partial allocation of existing Hybrids rather than a full allocation of Electrics?

The bid for a mixed allocation of vehicles on route 180 was the most economically advantageous bid received. Our focus is on achieving cost effective roll out of zero-emission buses and conversion of the entire route was not cost effective.

5) As the tender result for bus routes 55/N55 & 56 are due to be announced this Spring, what is the possible outcome of the tender result and are both routes likely to receive new electric vehicles?

We cannot guess or speculate on what the outcome might be as the tendering process is both confidential and competitive, and depends on what bids we receive.

6) Going forward into the long term future is it possible that bus routes could entirely be axed, similar to the Central London Bus Changes which took place in 2019?

Yes, for the reasons set out in our response to question 3. It is also possible entirely new routes will be launched as part of the reshaping of other services.

7) What are the long term plans for New Routemaster vehicles?

We aim to get two full operating terms out of the vehicles or around 14 years. The vehicles are also hybrid Euro VI vehicles which means they are low emission for oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter, as well as have lower CO2.

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Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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