Delays to the rollout of Irizar ie tram style buses for route 358
Request ID: FOI-3532-2324 Date published: 30 January 2024
You asked
Dear TFL
The delay to the rollout of the Irizar ie tram for route 358 has taken over a year!
Therefore, I have questions about it.
1. Would you be able to provide information about the delay in the rollout?
2. When are you expecting to launch them into passenger service?
3. When was the date that was originally supposed to roll out on route 358?
4. According to the blog post (linked below), it shows the number of respondents from various consultations requesting tram-style buses on more bus routes. Does TFL plan to fulfil the request by the respondents?
https://clondoner92.blogspot.com/2023/08/my-suggestions-to-help-create-most.html
5. Are there plans to purchase more tram buses for more London bus routes?
6. Can you reveal the costs for the infrastructure and purchase of Irizar ie tram buses for route 358?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3532-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 4 January 2024, asking for information about the ieTram buses for route 38.
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 specifically asked:
1. Would you be able to provide information about the delay in the rollout?
Unfortunately, power connections and land ownership has contributed to the delays of the pantograph installations at either end of the route.
2. When are you expecting to launch them into passenger service?
The new buses on the route 358 are due to enter passenger service in early June 2024.
3. When was the date that was originally supposed to roll out on route 358?
The original start date for operation of the full fleet was March 2023.
There are currently no further plans in the pipeline for tram like bus models, however the decision on vehicle proposals continues to be the responsibility of the Bus Operator.
5. Are there plans to purchase more tram buses for more London bus routes?
As above.
6. Can you reveal the costs for the infrastructure and purchase of Irizar ie tram buses for route 358?
The bus operator bid with these buses as part of their route tender bid. The cost of infrastructure and purchase is embedded within the route 358 contract.
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.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
