TfL Ref: FOI-2149-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 20 December 2021, asking for information about New Routemaster buses (NRM) .
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:
- Can you provide a list the routes which are currently served using New Routemaster buses?
NRM buses are currently allocated to routes 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 21, 24, 27, 38, 55, 59, 67, 68, 73, 76, 87, 91, 137, 148, 149, 159, 168, 176, 189, 211, 253, 254, 259, 267, 313, 390, 415, 453, EL1, EL2, EL3, N3, N8, N9, N11, N15, N16, N19, N38, N55, N73, N87, N253, N279 and NEL1. NRM buses are also allocated to routes 111, H32 & H98 on a temporary basis.
- Can you release the list of upcoming routes which are expected to convert with existing NRMs?
There are no immediate plans for further routes to convert NRM buses, but if service changes take place which release NRMs for further use; we will continue to seek the best alternative uses for them.
- Would you be able to provide a list the NRM routes which were previously served with conductors to enable open platform?
9, 10, 11, 24, 38, 390
- Since TfL abolished the bendy buses in late 2011, why TfL continued to provide open boarding on NRMs since they launched in 2012?
This was a policy decision by the TfL leadership at that time, based on the then Mayor’s manifesto and policy to introduce the New Bus for London with conductors and ‘ hop on hop off’ boarding.
5. Why TfL withdrew conductors from NRMs, can you specify the date and clarify the reason for removal?
The conductors were withdrawn on cost grounds.
6. When did the NRMs convert to front door only boarding and was it a measure to reduce fare evasion?
All NRM routes were converted to front-door boarding by 5 September 2020. The phased introduction to front-door boarding following a trial on Route 8 in 2019 commenced from January 2020. Unfortunately, the impacts of Covid-19 interrupted part of the planned programme roll out from March until June 2020 when it was recommenced. As each route converted, we used the iBus system to make announcements before and immediately after the change. The information provided included stickers advising of the need to board at the front doors and similarly no-entry stickers on the outside of the middle and rear doors. The middle door also had a notice saying wheelchair entry would still be via this entry point. Where we held contact details for passengers using specific NRM routes, we sent them direct text communications about the change too.
7. Why TfL decided against the design and manufacture of New Routemasters with half cab and permanent open platform in which the traditional AEC Routemasters have?
The design came about as a result of modern standards being applied to a series of requirements set out by TfL. The chosen design was considered to best meet the objectives of Tfl’s strategy at the time.
8. Can you reveal the current and future plans involving NRMs?
All vehicles have a finite life. We would expect the majority of vehicles, including Hybrids and New Routemasters, to be withdrawn after approximately 12-14 years of service in London. The vehicles are then sold off by their respective owners.
9. Can you reveal the total cost of the NRM project?
To run an individual New Routemaster costs around £325k. The total capital cost to TfL of the vehicles is around £346 million. However there are net operating cost savings because, for example, operators do not have to buy vehicles and thus over the full 14 year life cycle of the NRMs the net cost to TfL is expected will be considerably lower.
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
