London hits green milestone with 2,000 zero-emission buses

Transport for London (TfL) now has 2,000 electric zero-emission buses in its fleet, making it the largest network of its kind in Western Europe and outstripping other major capitals such as Berlin, Paris, and Madrid.

Since 2016, the number of TfL’s zero-emission bus fleet has grown from 30 to its current figure, representing more than 20% of the city’s entire bus fleet. In total, there are 107 London bus routes that are fully zero-emission, and 30 that are partially so. There are also 20 hydrogen buses serving routes around the capital.

By 2030, TfL aims for its entire bus fleet to be zero-emissions and since 2021, all new vehicles joining the fleet have been zero-emission. TfL’s estimates that its transition to zero-emission public transport by the start of the next decade will save five million tonnes of carbon.

Regarding the city’s 2000-strong fleet of zero-emission buses, London Mayor Sadiq Khan commented: “It’s fantastic London is leading the charge with more than 2,000 zero-emission buses in the capital, the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Western Europe.

“I’m proud we’ve taken London’s bus network from strength to strength since I became Mayor in 2016, increasing the size of the network, making transport greener and improving bus safety and customer experience. The number of London’s world-famous red buses that have now gone green has increased from just 30 in 2016 to more than 2,000 today. This is helping to clean up London’s toxic air, protect the environment and the health of Londoners.

“I will continue to do everything I can to ensure buses remain the most accessible, affordable and sustainable form of transport as we continue to build a greener, fairer London for everyone.”

As part of its efforts to boost electrification of its public transport and achieve the city’s aim of reaching net zero carbon by 2030, TfL is trialling all-electric trolleybuses. These zero-emission vehicles feature an arm-like structure on their roofs, allowing for fast-charging at the end of their 15-mile journey. The vehicles are powered by overhead pantographs, meaning the drivers do not have to return to their depot to charge.

There are over 300 cities/metropolitian areas globally where electric trolleybuses are used. The Baltic capitals of Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia), and Tallinn (Estonia) are of particular note. Zero-emission trolleybuses have served Vilnius and Riga since 1956 and 1947 respectively, with Tallinn joining the fold in 1965.