I have a Freedom of Information request in regards to the double-deck hydrogen buses. 1. Can you provide full details of the contract for 20 double-deck hydrogen buses with Wrightbus. 2. What is the price tag for an individual double-deck hydrogen bus as compared to the diesel-electric hybrid New Routemaster bus? 3. Will TfL directly own the double-deck hydrogen buses using the same arrangement with 1,000 of the New Routemaster buses? 4. Why is TfL paying for the double-deck hydrogens instead of private bus operators for their contracted routes? 5. When is the double-deck hydrogens expected to be delivered? 6. Which bus routes will they be used on? 7. Which operator will be using the double-deck hydrogens? 8. What is the purpose of purchasing the double-deck hydrogen buses? 9. Have there been any effect to the double-deck hydrogen orders since Wrightbus has gone to administration?

---

Our ref: FOI-2041-1920

Thank you for your request received on 7 October 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. Can you provide full details of the contract for 20 double-deck hydrogen buses with Wrightbus.

Please see https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/63f8fc28-0124-4552-9d2a-01e8a423cc7b?p=@QxUlRRPT0=NjJNT08=UF

2. What is the price tag for an individual double-deck hydrogen bus as compared to the diesel-electric hybrid New Routemaster bus?

Please see https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/63f8fc28-0124-4552-9d2a-01e8a423cc7b?p=@QxUlRRPT0=NjJNT08=UF

3. Will TfL directly own the double-deck hydrogen buses using the same arrangement with 1,000 of the New Routemaster buses?

Yes.

4. Why is TfL paying for the double-deck hydrogens instead of private bus operators for their contracted routes?

LBSL was awarded Horizon 2020 funding for the purposes of purchasing and operating hydrogen fuel cell buses.

5. When is the double-deck hydrogens expected to be delivered?

Prior to Wrightbus’ administration, we expected bus delivery to start from the first half of 2020. We are seeking discussions with Bamford Bus Company over the business areas it is taking forward and the timescales for these.

6. Which bus routes will they be used on?

Potentially routes 7, N7 and 245 but this is subject to agreements of contract extensions and awards, and may change.

7. Which operator will be using the double-deck hydrogens?

Metroline.

8. What is the purpose of purchasing the double-deck hydrogen buses?

To operate zero-emissions double deck buses in order to assist with delivering a zero emission fleet.

9. Have there been any effect to the double-deck hydrogen orders since Wrightbus has gone to administration?

We are seeking discussions with the new owners to understand potential impacts.

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

Back to top

---