TfL Ref: 2642-1920

Thank you for your request received by us on 27 November 2019 asking for information about the 476 bus and bus vehicle types.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
 
1. What models of buses have been used in each year since 2014?

Whist we do not hold a list of bus types allocated to routes each year from 2014 to 2019, the following independent website collects details of vehicles linked to recent contract awards: http://www.londonbusroutes.net/changes.htm. As operators repair, maintain and upgrade vehicles, what appears on the route may vary from day to day but will comply with capacity requirements. The contracted vehicles have been retrofitted to the ultra clean Euro VI engine emission standard since August 2018.
 
2. What modifications have been made to the engines and exhaust systems over that period?

Although we do not hold details on specific routes over the timeframe requested, we can advise that the latest emission reduction programme entails lifting all vehicles to the Euro VI engine emission standard or better by retrofitting or replacing them. It is 87 per cent complete and the remainder of vehicles will be lifted to this level by this time next year. We understand the 476 bus has been upgraded to this engine emission standard.
 
3. What noise pollution laws and standards apply to this bus route?

The main emission standards for buses to meet are engine generation standards although it is possible to get exemptions for classic vehicles such as historic Routemasters. The cleanest diesel standard is Euro VI which is what the current fleet is being lifted to as it reduces oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter by up to 95 and 80 per cent respectively. The Mayor's Transport Strategy requires our fleet to meet a minimum of Euro VI by 2020 and all vehicles to become zero-tailpipe emission by no later than 2037.

Prior to a new vehicle type entering service, manufacturers must ensure a representative vehicle complies with a drive-by noise test at an approved proving ground where it can be compared in an identical way with other vehicles free from variable external factors. Vehicles of the same type can then enter service in London and elsewhere. Operators maintain them on a four to six weekly cycle to maintain their condition and they must pass the yearly MOT.
 
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 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

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London