London launches rapid-charging electric buses on the 358 route, marking a significant step forward in sustainable public transport.
- These new buses, equipped with pantograph technology, can be charged in six minutes, facilitating continuous operation without garage returns.
- The initiative is part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ambitious plan to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
- Enhanced safety features and customer amenities make these buses a model of modern urban transport.
- Route 358, bridging Crystal Palace and Orpington, highlights London’s drive towards greener transport solutions.
London has introduced a fleet of quick-charging electric buses on the 358 route, utilising advanced pantograph technology to minimise downtime. This allows the buses to fully recharge within just six minutes at either end of the 15-mile journey, eliminating the need for detours to garages for charging.
This initiative is a strategic element of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s broader commitment to convert London’s bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2030. The director of buses at TfL, Lorna Murphy, expressed the significance of this development by stating, ‘Londoners deserve to breathe clean air, and it is vital that we continue to deliver solutions to address this.’ This new infrastructure marks a pioneering approach, advancing the city’s environmental goals.
London’s buses already stand out globally for their efficiency, emitting less CO2 per passenger kilometre than their counterparts in major cities like New York and Paris. The city boasts the largest zero-emissions fleet in Western Europe, featuring 1,700 buses. By effectively transporting large numbers of passengers in a space-efficient manner, these buses are instrumental in alleviating congestion and meeting London’s sustainability targets.
Route 358, stretching from Crystal Palace to Orpington, serves not only as a symbol of technological progress but also as a proof-of-concept that long routes can seamlessly implement electric buses. Rosie Allen, a policy adviser at Green Alliance, noted the broader implications of this undertaking, illustrating the potential for a transportation future devoid of fossil fuels.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the new bus design incorporates numerous safety and comfort enhancements. These include a safer front-end, speed limiting features, improved driver visibility through camera systems, and better seating and flooring for passenger safety. TfL has also committed to customer satisfaction with features like USB ports and palm-operated assistance buttons.
The 358 route’s pantograph buses represent a collaborative effort among Go-Ahead London, TfL, and Spanish supplier Irizar. These innovations coincide with ongoing strategies to enhance London’s bus services, including the addition of 25 km of new bus lanes by 2025 and improved bus interchanges through the Superloop network launched in 2023.
This strategic roll-out showcases London’s resolve to lead in sustainable urban transportation, promising a cleaner and safer future.
