Kent Fastrack to go green with ie-Trams trial

Kent County Council (KCC) has signed a 15-year contract to continue the Kent Thameside Fastrack service.

From November 2024 to April 2025 a fleet of 28 Irizar ie-Trams will be trialled on the Fastrack service. They will be used instead of the current diesel buses on the route, which covers Dartford and Gravesham.

The ie-Trams on the service are to be operated by Go-Ahead London. On-street electric vehicle charging points for the buses are to be provided by fleet electrification specialist VEV.

“…we look forward to applying over a decade’s decarbonisation expertise in Kent” – Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director, David Cutts

Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director, David Cutts, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Kent Fastrack network into our portfolio and intend to provide a high-quality user experience from a dedicated facility in Dartford.

“As the UK’s biggest and most innovative zero-emission bus operator, with around 535 electric vehicles in service across the capital, we look forward to applying over a decade’s decarbonisation expertise in Kent.”

“We are delighted that our electric bus technology has been chosen for Kent County Council’s Fastrack BRT network” – Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility, Iñigo Etxeberria

Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility, Iñigo Etxeberria, said: “We are delighted that our electric bus technology has been chosen for Kent County Council’s Fastrack BRT network. This is a clear testament to the confidence placed in our products and proof of our quality and reliability.

“KCC is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions, and we are honoured to be part of this exciting project. We are committed to continuous improvement and this unique operation will let our company deliver the first ultra-fast charging bus routes for Kent County Council.”

“This ground-breaking project exemplifies the transformative potential when public and private entities unite to build a greener, more connected future” – VEV’s CEO, Mike Nakrani

VEV’s CEO, Mike Nakrani, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Kent County Council to build the charging infrastructure for Fastrack Electric. The council were clear that the charging solution could not impact the bus rapid transit (BRT) schedule and it had to work within the space and power constraints at the depot. The innovative pantograph chargers provided the solution, safely charging away from the depot while passengers board.

“This ground-breaking project exemplifies the transformative potential when public and private entities unite to build a greener, more connected future.”

“With the added security of a 15-year contract, passengers can be confident that this service is here to stay” – KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, said: “This is an exciting time for users of our Kent Thameside Fastrack service as we upgrade our fleet to new electric models.

“With the added security of a 15-year contract, passengers can be confident that this service is here to stay.”