'One of the largest zero-emission bus fleets in Europe': London marks 3,000th zero-emission bus as Northern Ireland-built electric double-decker enters service
Wrightbus supplied the landmark electric double-decker as Transport for London says a third of its fleet is now zero-emission and the capital continues its push towards cleaner transport
Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wrightbus has said it is “delighted” to have played a key role in London’s latest milestone in the transition to cleaner public transport, after Transport for London unveiled its 3,000th zero-emission bus.
The landmark vehicle is a fully electric double-decker built in Ballymena and will enter service with Stagecoach London on route 165 between Romford and Rainham.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said the capital was “leading the charge in sustainable transport” as he marked the achievement, which he described as a major step forward in the city’s efforts to decarbonise its bus network.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that zero-emission buses now account for around one-third of its entire fleet. The majority are battery-electric vehicles, alongside a smaller number of hydrogen fuel cell double-deckers.
All new buses introduced in London since 2021 have been zero-emission, with TfL’s electric fleet having expanded rapidly from just 30 vehicles in 2016 to thousands today.
TfL expects the number of zero-emission buses to double again before the end of the decade, although it has said the pace of transition could be accelerated further with additional Government funding. At one stage, the organisation had aimed for its entire 9,000-strong fleet to be fully zero-emission by this point in the rollout.
Alongside the shift in vehicles, TfL has also upgraded infrastructure across the capital, with all 12,000 bus shelters now fitted with LED lighting as part of wider efforts to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Sir Sadiq, who chairs TfL, said the milestone reflected sustained progress over the past decade.
“I’m proud that London is leading the charge in sustainable transport with 3,000 of our iconic red buses now going green – which is a hundred times more than when I took office in 2016, and one of the largest zero-emission bus fleets in Europe,” he said.
“Over the last decade as Mayor, I’ve worked with TfL to take our bus network from strength to strength – creating new services such as the game-changing Superloop, and boosting our zero and low-emission buses to help clean up our air and support our climate goals.”
Lorna Murphy, director of buses at TfL, said the milestone represented tangible progress for passengers.
“This is more than a milestone; it is real visible change – cleaner journeys for Londoners every day,” she said.
“With a third of London’s fleet of iconic buses now zero-emission, it is even easier for customers to travel around the city in a sustainable, affordable and accessible way.”
Christian Reynolds, managing director of Wrightbus, said the company was proud to supply the milestone vehicle, adding that it came during a significant year for the manufacturer.
“We are delighted to have provided London’s 3,000th zero-emission bus in what is also a landmark year for us, as we celebrate our 80th anniversary,” he said.
“Each vehicle represents not only a step forward in decarbonising transport, providing cleaner air for the people of London, but also a commitment to accessibility, innovation and passenger experience.”