Transport UK London Bus operates aid service to Ukraine
A Transport UK London Bus is today (25 July 2024) departing for Ukraine.
The AD Enviro200 is departing from the Ukrainian embassy in London alongside over 50 vehicles supporting four charities to take aid to Ukraine.
The bus from Transport UK London Bus is to make the four-day drive from central London to the city of Kharkiv. It will carry humanitarian aid including food, clothing, stretchers and medical supplies for the people living in Kharkiv; it will then operate within Ukraine to provide desperately needed transportation.
The convoy will consist primarily of vehicles donated through the capital’s ULEZ scrappage scheme alongside vehicles donated by businesses and individuals. The ULEZ donation scheme is a partnership between the British-Ukrainian Aid charity and TfL.
The Ukrainian ambassador, Valerii Zaluzhnyi and the undisputed heavyweight world boxing champion Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk will see the vehicles off from the Ukrainian embassy in London.
(L to R) Jon Eardley, driver Serhiy, Engineer Reece Thomas Wharf, driver Piotr Slawomir Maslag and Lorna Murphy. Picture credit: Transport UK London Bus
A team from Transport UK London Bus (TUK LB) has volunteered to deliver the bus safely to the Ukraine border. The team includes Piotr Slawomir Maslag, Ian Sutton, and Ukrainian national Serihy. Managing Director, Jon Eardley and Commercial Director, Alastair Willis, will meet the team en route to see the bus to the border.
Serhiy, originally from Ukraine, has driven buses in the capital for Transport UK London Bus for 13 years, whilst Piotr, originally from Poland, has served TUK LBs customers for eight years. ‘The whole TUKLB team will be thinking of them on their long journey across Europe,’ said a statement from the company.
The bus started operating in 2009 on routes in the Croydon area. It was withdrawn from service in June 2024 and will be handed over to charity Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv, who will be the new owner. The Ukraine-based charity provides humanitarian aid, food, clothing and evacuation from hot spots in and around the city of Kharkiv.
Picture captured by David Cole
The donation is also in support of other charities dedicated to providing support within and to Ukraine. British-Ukrainian Aid partners with TfL to deliver ULEZ scrappage scheme vehicles, BUAid supplies humanitarian and medical aid supporting the victims of war who have been wounded, stranded or displaced. The Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP) is an NGO whose volunteers work to support Ukraine. SHAP has sent a dozen vehicles, including buses, vans, and pickups, to Ukraine and delivered over 2,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
The aid will also be in support of V-Aid, a charity leveraging the skills of veterans and professionals to deliver rapid, efficient food aid in the wake of global disasters.
Charity Partners British Ukrainian Aid, SHAP and V-Aid loading the TUKLB bus with aid at Battersea. Picture credit: British Ukrainian Aid
“We volunteered as we felt it was important to support the people of Ukraine” – Serhiy and Pitor, Transport UK London Bus Drivers
Serhiy and Pitor, Transport UK London Bus Drivers, said: “We volunteered as we felt it was important to support the people of Ukraine. We’re honoured to be supporting these charities and excited about delivering a London city bus all the way to the Ukrainian border.”
“We’re incredibly proud of our volunteer team for delivering this vital humanitarian aid” – Jon Eardley, Managing Director of Transport UK London Bus
Jon Eardley, Managing Director of Transport UK London Bus, said: “Transport UK London Bus is delighted to support the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP), V-Aid and the BUAid to form part of this vital convoy delivering aid to the Ukrainian charity – Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv with the donation of one of our iconic red London buses.
“We’re incredibly proud of our volunteer team for delivering this vital humanitarian aid to those who genuinely need it. Our bus has served millions of customers in London and will now help Ukrainian people in the city of Kharkiv.”
“The dedication of the TUK London Bus drivers who have volunteered to transport the vehicles and aid to Ukraine is outstanding” – Alan Pilbeam, Chief Commercial Officer of Transport UK
Alan Pilbeam, Chief Commercial Officer of Transport UK, said: “Through our partnership with the Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv, Transport UK is proud to connect communities in Ukraine and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance.
“The dedication of the TUK London Bus drivers who have volunteered to transport the vehicles and aid to Ukraine is outstanding. Their commitment to serving communities in London is always impressive, but this goes above and beyond. Transport UK operates some of the most highly rated train and bus services in the UK and this mission is further proof of the team’s excellence.”