Irizar ie Trams enter service
Irizar ie Tram buses are entering service in London from today (20 November 2024).
The pantograph-powered buses will be introduced in phases to one of London’s longest bus routes, between Crystal Palace and Orpington. The pantograph technology on Go-Ahead London operated route 358 allows fast, high-power charging of the new buses at each end of the 15-mile journey in as little as six minutes. This means drivers do not return to garages to recharge.
This means fewer buses are required on the route, bringing savings that can be invested into other areas of TfL’s network, in addition to the benefits of cleaner, greener travel.
As part of TfL’s commitment to achieving the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads, the buses have a safer front-end design, and include the latest safety features, such as speed limiting technology, audible warnings to alert pedestrians and other road users to the bus, and improved direct and indirect vision for drivers through camera monitoring instead of mirrors. The interior is designed to reduce customer injuries including improved seat design and slip protection for flooring. The buses benefit from enhanced customer features such as USB charging ports and palm-operated assistance buttons.
“This creates a global showcase, is a milestone for our business and increases our prominence in the UK as an innovative company” – Iñigo Etxeberria, Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility
Iñigo Etxeberria, Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility, said: “We are proud to be a partner on this project, which is another step forward in London’s green transition. This creates a global showcase, is a milestone for our business and increases our prominence in the UK as an innovative company. It is a large-scale project that we are delighted to be implementing in this city. These twenty buses will electrify this ultra-fast opportunity charging bus line. We really hope that Londoners will enjoy the experience of travelling into the modern, sleek and sustainable Irizar ie tram buses.”
“Go-Ahead London is leading the way in driving the transition to zero-emission buses, with 636 electric vehicles now operating across our network” – Tom Joyner, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London
Tom Joyner, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London said: “I am incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made this year in our journey toward a zero-emission future. Go-Ahead London is leading the way in driving the transition to zero-emission buses, with 636 electric vehicles now operating across our network. This includes the exciting launch of the 358 route and the expansion of our pantograph technology, both strong testaments to our commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities.
“From 2024 to 2026 Go-Ahead Group of which Go-Ahead London is part of, will be investing £500 million to introduce even more electric buses, focusing on London, in support of TfL’s net-zero targets. Our partnership with TfL ensures we can continue to serve our communities while setting new industry standards for sustainability. Together, we are not only transforming public transport but also creating a lasting positive impact.”
“Installing new rapid-charging pantograph infrastructure on one of London’s longest bus routes is an innovative step forward, helping us to run cleaner, greener services” – Lorna Murphy, Director of Buses, TfL
Lorna Murphy, Director of Buses, TfL, said: “The harmful effects of toxic air pollution in the capital are known to contribute to thousands of premature deaths and serious health conditions. Londoners deserve to breathe clean air, and it is vital that we continue to deliver solutions to address this.
“Installing new rapid-charging pantograph infrastructure on one of London’s longest bus routes is an innovative step forward, helping us to run cleaner, greener services that get Londoners where they need to be.
“Working with partners across a range of different sectors on this project, we are showcasing how the broader shift to net zero can be achieved. The move to increase the number of zero-emission buses on the capital’s streets is a key part of the Mayor’s goal to make London a zero carbon city.”
“Buses are our most used form of sustainable transport and bus electrification is key to cutting road emissions and cleaning our air” – Ben Curtis, Head of External Affairs at Campaign for Better Transport
Ben Curtis, Head of External Affairs at Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Buses are our most used form of sustainable transport and bus electrification is key to cutting road emissions and cleaning our air. It’s fantastic to see how innovative technology like pantograph charging can be used to keep TfL buses green and efficient and support operation on longer routes on the network.”