Putney Buses a Step Closer to Full Electrification

Route 22 converted with more local services expected to switch

One of the new Wright Electroliner Vision Zero buses. Picture: Facebook

March 6, 2026

Bus route 22 has officially switched to electric operation, marking an important milestone in the decarbonisation of services running out of Putney bus garage. The route, which runs between Putney Common and Oxford Circus, converted to a full fleet of electric double-deckers last month, following delays linked to vehicle delivery and depot-charging upgrades.

The conversion is part of Transport for London’s long-term plan to move to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2034, with central and inner-London routes prioritised because of the air-quality benefits. Route 22 is the first major Putney-area route to complete the transition.

Although TfL’s tender for Route 22 required Go-Ahead London to introduce new electric buses from the start of its contract in late 2024, the rollout was pushed back by several factors:

The new Wrightbus Electroliner double-deckers ordered for the route arrived later than planned due to supply-chain pressures affecting manufacturers across the UK. In addition, Putney garage required significant electrical works to support overnight charging for a full electric allocation. These upgrades were completed in phases, delaying the point at which the entire fleet could be brought into service. Several Go-Ahead routes across London were awaiting revised electrification dates, and Route 22 was rescheduled as part of a wider rollout plan.

Putney garage now operates a mixed fleet, with Route 22’s electric buses running alongside diesel and hybrid vehicles used on other routes. The garage is expected to become increasingly electric over the next few years as more routes reach their contract renewal dates.

Go-Ahead London, which runs the garage, now operates more than 1,000 zero-emission buses across the capital, and Putney is one of several depots undergoing staged upgrades to support the transition.

TfL only mandates electric buses when a route’s operating contract is renewed. That means the timetable for electrifying other Putney-area routes is tied to their tender cycles and the readiness of the depot.

Based on current contract periods and TfL’s published electrification strategy, the likely sequence is:

• Route 14 (Putney Heath – Russell Square)
  Contract renewal expected in the next cycle. As a central London route, it is a strong candidate for electrification at its next tender award.
• Route 74 (Putney – Baker Street)
  Another high-frequency inner-London route. Electrification is expected when the contract is re-let, likely within the next two years.
• Route 39 (Putney Bridge – Clapham Junction)
  A shorter route with lower peak vehicle requirement. Electrification is likely but dependent on available charging capacity at Putney garage.
• Route 430 (Roehampton – South Kensington)
  Operated with hybrid buses. Expected to convert when its contract renews, though timing depends on TfL’s sequencing of inner-west London routes.
• Routes N22 and N74 (night services)
  These typically convert automatically once their daytime counterparts are electrified, meaning both will follow the 22, 14 and 74 as those routes transition.

TfL has not yet published firm dates for these conversions, but the pattern is clear: as each route’s contract comes up for renewal, electric buses will be required, and Putney garage will gradually shift towards a fully electric fleet.

The electrification of Route 22 is part of a broader transformation across southwest London, where several depots—including Merton, Stockwell and Shepherd’s Bush—are also expanding their charging capacity. TfL’s business plan identifies the Putney–Chelsea–Victoria corridor as a priority area for zero-emission operation because of high bus volumes and poor air quality.