Sustainable Travel Guide to London Buses

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Continue reading to find out how to travel more sustainably.

Travelling by Bus is Greener Than You Think

Did you know?

Emissions for every passenger kilometre on 1 hybrid double-decker bus are the same as the emissions from producing 3.3 grams of steak (which is less than one whole steak)!

Red or Green London Buses?

As of March 2022, London’s bus fleet boasts 786 electric buses, and 22 hydrogen fuel cell buses: these vehicles emit no tailpipe emissions on the road.

The overall emissions produced by electric buses come mainly from their source of charing. TfL’s buses charge off London’s grid, which is 43% renewable, coming from a mix of wind, solar, bioenergy, and hydroelectric sources. The hydrogen used to power hydro buses is also free from harmful emissions. In fact, the only by-product from this fuel is water from the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the air, the process that produces electricity to power these buses.

A Hybrid Fleet

Almost half of all buses in the London TfL bus fleet are hybrid buses. There are 3,854 hybrid buses currently in operation, and only are these buses quieter and cleaner than standard diesel buses, but they also produce over 30% fewer emissions than older diesel-powered buses. All of these buses meet the Euro VI emission standards, and utilise the Low Emission Zones, reducing congestion, and keeping London’s air clean.

Many of the above sustainable buses are used in high-pollution areas around London to help enhance the quality of air for both our health and the environment’s. These routes not only reduce carbon emissions by up to 6x compared to diesel buses but also reduce NOx emissions by up to 84%.

Build an Eco-Friendly Bus Route

The Mayor of London has now funded the creation of 12 low-emission bus routes, and even 4 routes using no-emission hydrogen buses! 

Many of the above sustainable buses are used in high-pollution areas around London to help enhance the quality of air for both our health and the environment’s. These routes not only reduce carbon emissions by up to 6x compared to diesel buses but also reduce NOx emissions by up to 84%. 

Calculate your personal emissions with Furthr’s climate companion platform

What about the Tube?

Did you know?

Emissions from each person traveling 1km by tube are the same as charging your phone fully, once.

Alight here for Energy Efficiency…

The Tube is entirely run on electricity – there are no emissions in the tunnels – and it’s trains are energy-efficient, consuming less energy and emitting significantly fewer pollutants than diesel-run trains.

The trains also use regenerative braking, which means that the energy generated when the trains brake is fed back into the electrical supply system. This reduces the amount of energy needed to power the trains and saves around 5% of the Tube’s energy consumption. 

See it. Say it. Renew it…

London Underground is currently sourcing over half of it’s energy consumption for it’s operations from renewable energy, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. TfL is also taking further steps, with plans to generate it’s own power using solar panels by the overground train tracks.

The next station is energy and water-efficient stations…

To save up on energy consumption for its 272 stations, London Underground has implemented energy-saving measures in its stations, such as LED lighting and efficient heating and cooling systems.

These measures have reduced energy consumption in stations by 30% since 2000. The Tube has implemented water conservation measures, such as reducing water use in its stations and installing water-efficient fixtures. These measures have reduced water consumption in stations by 31% since 2007.

But what about all those discarded newspapers?

The Tube has also implemented waste reduction measures, such as recycling and reducing paper use, recycling 53% of it’s waste and reducing paper use by 48% in the last 5 years.

Sponsor leading climate projects with Furthr.

What about the Elizabeth Line and the DLR?

Bringing more of London together… sustainably

London’s transport system goes beyond the tube, reaching the far ends of the city, continuously reducing the need for cars and cabs. The newest addition to this, the Elizabeth Line, is amongst the most energy-efficient lines in London. Other train lines, such as the DLR, have been steadily reducing carbon emissions from cars by over 150 tonnes every year.

The Elizabeth Line trains are much lighter and use less energy in their operation. They also save up to 62% in electricity usage by exclusively operating with lighting. Beyond the trains, the 10 new stations that were built for the Elizabeth line are equipped with green and brown rooftops which support wildlife and provide environmental benefits for the city. For example, the Whitechapel station’s roof has carbon-cleansing sedum plants. 

Similarly, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) 2005 extension towards the London City Airport has brought huge environmental benefits to the city. Reports show that this extension managed to reduce the number of taxis and cars from London to the airport by over 400,000 within the first 2 years, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 156 tonnes. 

So How Can I Travel Greener?
Did you know?

If everyone walked instead of taking the tube between Leicester Square and Covent Garden each year, we would save the emissions equivalent to one person using online streaming platforms for 664 days nonstop.

Walk it, Cycle it – The Best Option

The best green alternative to commuting is walking and cycling. These options are not only environmentally friendly but also a great way to enjoy the city’s scenery, bump into your favourite celebrity, or find your new favourite green coffee shop!

Alternatively, you can always use e-scooters and bikes when in a rush. These modes of transport emit less than 20% of the amount of carbon per passenger km compared to the tube.  Of course, London weather cannot always be trusted, and is not always conducive to walking or cycling – in such cases, using public transport even for small distances, instead of taking a cab or your car, is always the best option. 

Track how your commuting habits affect your personal sustainability with Furthr

How do different transport methods compare?

So here are all our tips for a greener commute:

Tip #1: Walk it, Cycle it – The best option

Tip #2: Build an Eco-Friendly Bus Route: Find out if your journey coincides with hydrogen or electric bus routes, and opt for these instead of the tube.

Tip #3: Use and public transport over a taxi or private car

Tip #4: Track your emissions with Furthr’s climate companion platform

Coming soon! Look for the green symbol in your route plans in-app and choose the journey with the least emissions.

Why Not Visit These Natural Destinations in London

  1. Hyde Park
  2. Kensington Gardens
  3. St James’s Park
  4. Green Park
  5. Regent’s Park
  6. Greenwich Park
  7. Richmond Park
  8. Hampstead Heath
  9. Clapham Common
  10. Brockwell Park
  11. Victoria Park
  12. Battersea Park
  13. Holland Park
  14. Kennington Park
  15. Burgess Park
  16. Finsbury Park
  17. Dulwich Park
  18. Crystal Palace Park
  19. Alexandra Park
  20. Epping Forest

Mapway x Furthr

At Mapway, we specialise in transport apps and cover 24 of the busiest cities in the world – helping you to plan journeys, check travel information, and avoid delays. We make using public transport simple and stress-free, and so encouraging people to use public transport instead of cars or taxis is a vital part of our business. 

Of course, using public transport is also key in helping reduce CO2 emissions in big cities during our travels and commutes. That’s why we have joined forces with Furthr to help you travel as eco-consciously and climate-positively as possible.  Furthr’s mission is to make saving the planet real and rewarding, helping us channel our eco anxieties into tangible and effective actions, via education, community, and personalised eco tips. You can read more about their mission and plans here.