More than 80 brand-new zero-emission electric buses have been introduced to the streets of Sutton marking a significant boost for the area's bus fleet.

TfL has introduced the new buses in the borough on routes 93, 154, 164, 213 and 80, joining the zero-emission buses already operating on Route 413.

Sutton's new zero-emission buses come with a range of new features for passengers to enjoy including larger wheelchair and buggy areas, panoramic roofing on the upper deck, USB phone charging ports, and new LED display screens on both the lower and upper deck.

More zero-emission buses are expected to join the fleet in spring next year which will bring the total operating in the area to nearly 100.

All new buses joining its contracted fleet since 2021 have been zero emission and the other buses are low emission and meet or exceed Euro VI emission standards, which is the same standard as the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Transport for London claims that the buses will help improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions, with over half of the journeys undertaken by bus in Sutton now being on a zero-emission vehicle.

As well as the introduction of the new buses, TfL has announced that improvements are also being made to bus services in the borough, providing better connections across the area and between town centres and hospitals.

These changes will add over 400,000 bus kilometres to the network.

There are currently plans in place for extensions to existing routes and the introduction of a new service, S2, from early next year.

TfL says that the additional bus services and enhanced connectivity in Sutton will greatly benefit local residents and improve their overall travel experience.

There are now more than 1,000 zero-emission buses operating across the capital, putting TfL on track to transition to a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2034.

The efforts to increase zero-emission buses in London are crucial in combating the capital's poor air quality and its detrimental effects on public health, according to TfL.

The introduction of new buses and improvements to bus services in Sutton are part of TfL's broader plan to improve the bus network in outer London – which is called the Superloop.

The Superloop is a proposed network of limited-stop express bus routes that will circle the entire capital, connecting transport links, town centres, and hospitals.

Earlier this month the route X26, which runs between West Croydon and Heathrow, was rebranded as route SL7 and now offers a more frequent express service, becoming the third bus route in the Superloop network.

It has now doubled in frequency, from a bus every 30 minutes to one bus every 15 minutes.

A TfL spokesperson has said that the Superloop is part of the plan to “strengthen alternatives to the private car”.

This service is to be put in place ahead of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion as the Mayor wishes to improve transport links in outer London before its implementation.

The ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) in London imposes limitations on vehicle emissions intending to reduce pollution. Similar schemes exist in cities across the UK and Europe.

Vehicles which do not meet emissions standards incur a daily charge of £12.50 in the capital and the fine for failing to pay is £180.

The expansion of ULEZ to the whole of London has been a point of debate amongst both politicians and the public.

Mr Khan said extending the ultra-low emission zone to cover the whole of the capital from August 29, 2023, is “one of the toughest decisions I’ve taken”.

Louise Cheeseman, Director of Buses at TfL, said: “We’re very pleased to add more than 80 new zero-emission buses to our fleet in Sutton.

“Buses remain the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to shift trips made by cars to public transport. Thanks to the introduction of these new vehicles, half of the bus journeys undertaken in the borough will be zero-emission, helping to improve the air quality for those who work and live in the area, or who travel to Sutton to visit its leading cancer treatment and research facilities.”

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport said: “Growing London’s zero-emission bus fleet, which is now the largest in Europe, is an important part of the Mayor’s commitment to reduce toxic air and respond to the climate crisis.

“The Mayor promised Londoners that he would improve transport links in outer London. These new zero-emission buses, improvements and service increases will not only help Londoners get around our city, but improve air quality as we continue building better, greener, fairer London for everyone.”

David Cutts, Go-Ahead London's Managing Director said: "The Sutton area joins a growing list of services to benefit from brand new electric buses, which are popular with users and showcase sustainable public transport. “Sutton Garage is 100 years old in early 2024 but we continue to look to the future, embracing zero-emission vehicles that improve local air quality."

Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said, “We know air pollution is bad for our health, and indeed contains cancer-causing chemicals, as ICR scientists were among the first to recognise.

"We therefore welcome TfL's efforts to reduce air pollution – and carbon emissions – through greater use of electric buses in Sutton.

"It's good to see this progress in improving public transport in Sutton, which is urgently needed to service the growing needs of The London Cancer Hub on our Sutton site."