Request ID: FOI-2328-2324 Date published: 24 October 2023
You asked
F/O from 1418-2324
Hello,
To my knowledge, the Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530 buses currently operating on route 108 are scheduled to be replaced by BYD/Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV buses from the discontinued routes 507 and 521. I know the unique seating arrangement on the former 507 and 521 SEe buses. I understand that efforts are underway to refurbish them, increasing the availability of front seating. However, SEe16 (LJ66CFP) and SEe17 (LJ66CFU) are currently in service, presumably to help the 108 roster adjust to the BYD/Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV buses.
It's worth noting that the average commuter boarding either SEe16 (LJ66CFP) or SEe17 (LJ66CFU) may need to learn this information or the history behind these buses. As a bus enthusiast, I'd like to know if these buses received complaints regarding the shortage of front-seating availability during their time on route 108. If so, I would appreciate your providing the total number of complaints registered against these specific buses. This has been a point of curiosity for me ever since they began operating on the 108 earlier this year.
I'm also curious if there have been any updates about the Superloop route, SL3, since my last request. Additionally, I would like to inquire about the contract renewal for route 486. A few months ago, I read that it was eligible for a two-year extension, and I'd like to know if there have been any changes and if the route will indeed receive electric buses as part of its contract renewal. Furthermore, I would like to know if route 51 requires charging facilities installed at Woolwich and Orpington termini if the route is awarded electric vehicles.
I apologise if this request is excessive, and I understand that you may not have all the information I need now.
Thank you for your attention to these matters.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2328-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 30 September 2023 asking for information about bus routes 108, SL3 and 486.
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.
Your questions and our replies are as follows:
To my knowledge, the Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530 buses currently operating on route 108 are scheduled to be replaced by BYD/Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV buses from the discontinued routes 507 and 521. I know the unique seating arrangement on the former 507 and 521 SEe buses. I understand that efforts are underway to refurbish them, increasing the availability of front seating. However, SEe16 (LJ66CFP) and SEe17 (LJ66CFU) are currently in service, presumably to help the 108 roster adjust to the BYD/Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV buses.
It's worth noting that the average commuter boarding either SEe16 (LJ66CFP) or SEe17 (LJ66CFU) may need to learn this information or the history behind these buses. As a bus enthusiast, I'd like to know if these buses received complaints regarding the shortage of front-seating availability during their time on route 108. If so, I would appreciate your providing the total number of complaints registered against these specific buses. This has been a point of curiosity for me ever since they began operating on the 108 earlier this year. There were 125 Complaints logged in our customer serviced database for the Bus route 108 between 1 January 2023 and 4 October 2023. however none of the complaints relate to regarding the shortage of seating at the front.
I'm also curious if there have been any updates about the Superloop route, SL3, since my last request. There is no change on the position in respect of SL3.
Additionally, I would like to inquire about the contract renewal for route 486. A few months ago, I read that it was eligible for a two-year extension, and I'd like to know if there have been any changes and if the route will indeed receive electric buses as part of its contract renewal. The current contract for Route 486 expires in February 2026 and will be competitively tendered for in 2025 with options for tenderers to bid on the basis of both New Zero emission buses and Existing Buses to a minimum Euro VI standard.
I would like to know if route 51 requires charging facilities installed at Woolwich and Orpington termini if the route is awarded electric vehicles. Any decision made on future vehicles operating on route 51, and any associated infrastructure, will be determined once the route tender has been evaluated and awarded.
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
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
