London Mayor Sadiq Khan has praised the rapid expansion of the capital's zero emission bus network, calling it an "epic milestone".

There are now more than 2,000 zero emission buses in London, making it the largest net zero fleet in Western Europe, beating out the likes of Berlin, Paris and Madrid.

Despite only having 30 zero emission buses on the road in 2016, Transport for London's investment in the fleet has "gone from strength to strength".

The long-term goal of the transport authority is to make the entire bus fleet zero emission by 2030.

Sir Sadiq Khan praised the electric milestone as helping ease emissions across the capital

Estimates suggest that this goal could save approximately five million tonnes of carbon over the next two decades.

Since 2021, all new vehicles joining London's bus fleet have been zero emission, making the iconic red buses one of the greenest in the world.

All other buses on London's roads meet or exceed Euro VI emissions standards, which are the same thresholds for the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Commenting on the milestone, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "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.

There were just 30 electric buses on London's roads in 2016

"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."

Speaking at Everything Electric London earlier this year, Bono Ge, Country Manager of BYD UK, praised the progress of the Chinese brand across the nation.

He noted that BYD now has a staggering 75 per cent market share of electric buses in London, helping to slash pollution rates across the capital.

The decision to increase the use of electric buses in London has also created around 3,000 jobs across the supply chain, including in Ballymena, Falkirk and Scarborough.

Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, said: "Not only do our iconic buses play a vital role in enabling Londoners to travel from A to B affordably and accessibly, but they also ensure each customer they carry is making their journey in the most sustainable and eco-friendly way possible.

"With more than 2,000 zero-emission buses on London's roads and the addition of more fully electric routes like the 337, we are on a mission to transition to a fully zero-emission bus fleet, and continue to have the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Western Europe."

The new 337 route between Clapham Junction and Richmond will operate with 12 new zero emission Wrightbus Electroliners.

It will operate with a new bus every 10 minutes, while drivers will see a custom-wrapped bus to celebrate the 2,000 bus milestone.

The specially wrapped 2,000th zero emission TfL bus will be seen on roads soon

All buses have also been designed with a safer front-end design, and include the latest safety features as part of the Mayor's Vision Zero goal of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London's roads.

Safety features include speed limiting technology, audible warnings to alert pedestrians to the bus, and improved direct and indirect vision for drivers through cameras instead of mirrors.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, also confirmed that it had signed an exclusive five-year partnership with Transport UK. This will see 75 additional Wrightbus vehicles hit London's roads in 2025 alone.

He added: "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."