London's Zero-Emission Bus Fleet Hits 2,000 Milestone
London has passed a major green transport milestone with more than 2,000 zero-emission buses now in service across the capital – the largest such fleet in Western Europe. The achievement reflects a sharp increase from just 30 zero-emission buses in 2016 and reinforces Transport for London’s (TfL) target to deliver a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
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| Transport for London |
Building a Cleaner, Smarter Bus Network
The milestone was marked with the launch of the capital’s newest fully electric route, the 337 between Clapham Junction and Richmond, operated by Transport UK. The route is now served by a fleet of 12 new Wrightbus Electroliners, operating every 10 minutes. The introduction of the 337 means two in every nine buses in London are now zero-emission – or more than 20 per cent of the city’s iconic red bus fleet.
Since 2021, all new vehicles joining the network have been zero-emission. In addition to helping London reach net zero carbon by 2030, these buses are cutting harmful pollution, reducing noise and providing smoother, more comfortable journeys. TfL estimates the shift to zero-emission buses will save five million tonnes of carbon over the next two decades.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
"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."
London’s zero-emission buses now serve 107 fully converted routes and 30 partially converted ones. TfL’s wider bus fleet also continues to meet or exceed Euro VI standards, the same as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The capital’s bus services already produce lower CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre than cities such as New York and Vancouver.
Beyond the capital, TfL’s investment is bolstering the UK green economy. Its transition to zero-emission buses has created around 3,000 skilled jobs in British manufacturing, with major supply chain activity centred in Ballymena, Falkirk and Scarborough. A recent five-year agreement with Wrightbus, Transport UK’s preferred supplier, includes an initial order of 75 buses for 2025. Wrightbus estimates it supports around 7,200 supply chain jobs across 47 counties in the UK and Ireland.
David Cutts, Managing Director of Transport UK London Bus, said:
"Having more than 2,000 zero-emission buses in London's fleet is a momentous milestone and I am delighted that the Mayor commemorated it by visiting south-west London. Working with Transport for London and our supply chain, Transport UK are showcasing world-class public transport, in the process improving air quality and helping to secure UK-based employment. As a result of this partnership, all six of our garages run zero-emission services and with sustained investment over the next few years, we will collectively achieve decarbonisation of the entire red bus network."
The new buses on route 337 feature quieter electric motors, USB charging and a suite of Bus Safety Standard upgrades including speed-limiting, pedestrian alert systems and advanced vision systems using cameras in place of mirrors. The route joins others trialling advanced technology, including pantograph charging on route 358 and London’s 20 hydrogen buses on routes 7 and 245.
Wider improvements are also being delivered under TfL’s Bus Action Plan, which aims to increase bus ridership by making services faster, greener and more reliable. Measures include 25km of new bus lanes, improved interchanges, better real-time information and higher-quality waiting environments.
Recent additions to the network such as the Superloop express bus routes are already carrying millions of passengers annually, with further expansion under consultation. The proposed 'Bakerloop', connecting Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and Lewisham, would serve areas planned for a future Bakerloo Line extension.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, said:
"This is a landmark moment for London and for Wrightbus and one we're proud to be a part of. Public transport is leading the way in the zero-emission transition, and we are delighted to support Mayor Sadiq Khan's tireless efforts to improve air quality, reduce carbon and support UK manufacturing.
"We're also pleased to announce our exclusive five-year partnership with Transport UK, which will see its fleet bolstered by 75 additional Wrightbus zero-emission vehicles in 2025 alone. Every Wrightbus in service on the streets of London thanks to this partnership helps to support good, green skilled jobs and the wider manufacturing sector across the UK.
"As the UK's leading zero-emission bus manufacturer, Wrightbus vehicles are built with parts from suppliers across the UK manufacturing sector, so our success is its success."
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| Transport for London |
The Impact on Air Quality, Jobs and Innovation
Supporting voices from across London also marked the milestone. MP for Battersea Marsha de Cordova said the new 337 route would help cut emissions and support clean, green jobs. Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg added that air quality gains were already being felt in town centres like Putney and Clapham Junction and London Assembly Member Leonie Cooper highlighted the long-term health benefits of emission reductions in her boroughs.
According to public opinion research by Centre for London and Savanta, two-thirds of Londoners support the city’s net zero by 2030 goal and over half feel personally affected by climate change. Director Rob Anderson said London’s bus network continues to be a critical lever in delivering clean growth and public wellbeing.
TfL also reports continuing environmental benefits from the expanded ULEZ. Roadside NO2 levels across the capital are now estimated to be 27 per cent lower than they would have been without the zone and PM2.5 emissions from vehicle exhausts in outer London are down by 31 per cent. In the city’s most polluted and deprived areas, exposure to illegal pollution has dropped by up to 82 per cent.
Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, added:
"Having more than 2,000 zero-emission buses in London's fleet is a momentous milestone and I am delighted that the Mayor commemorated it by visiting south-west London. Working with Transport for London and our supply chain, Transport UK are showcasing world-class public transport, in the process improving air quality and helping to secure UK-based employment. As a result of this partnership, all six of our garages run zero-emission services and with sustained investment over the next few years, we will collectively achieve decarbonisation of the entire red bus network."
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