Request ID: FOI-3906-2324 Date published: 13 February 2024
You asked
I've heard you have updated and planned the EL4 to run between Barking Riverside and Romford Station. I have a few questions:
Can you give me an estimated date on when it will be introduced by?
Will it use electric single deck buses such as the Irizar IE Tram buses or electric double decker buses?
Which operator could bid for the route?
Will this route will essential for the preparation from the ULEZ expansion?
Is there any concept plans for another ELT route ? I have one in mind such as EL5 to run between Barking Riverside and Elm Park or Rainham Station to help with the 287 frequency
That's all I have to ask and I'm really looking forward to see this route in service.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3906-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28th January 2024 asking for information about the EL4 bus route. 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 are answered in turn below:
Question 1: Can you give me an estimated date on when it will be introduced by?
Answer: The EL4 is only a concept at this stage and there is no estimated date for its introduction should the concept come to fruition. The concept is based on the view that as Barking Riverside and other developments in the wider area get built then a further bus service will likely be justified.
Question 2: Will it use electric single deck buses such as the Irizar IE Tram buses or electric double decker buses?
Answer: Please see the answer above. The route is only a concept at this stage and decisions such as this will not be made until the concept becomes a reality.
Question 3: Which operator could bid for the route?
Answer: Any operator that has pre-qualified to bid for bus routes in London would be eligible to bid.
Question 4: Will this route will essential for the preparation from the ULEZ expansion?
Answer: It is unclear exactly what this question means. The ULEZ was expanded in August 2023, and so the EL4 was not essential for that to happen.
Question 5: Is there any concept plans for another ELT route ? I have one in mind such as EL5 to run between Barking Riverside and Elm Park or Rainham Station to help with the 287 frequency
Answer: There are no current concepts for an EL5 route, but we do keep the bus network under regular review.
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,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
