247 Romford to Barkingside bus route set for new electric vehicles

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it is planning to "fully introduce" electric vehicles to the 247 route "in the coming year".

Some passengers on this route - which connects Barkingside station and Romford station - have already been able to test out these new buses, as spare EVs from other routes are sometimes used for the 247.

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TfL’s director of buses Lorna Murphy said she hopes the new fleet will make bus travel "an even more attractive way" of getting around Havering and Redbridge, "both affordably and sustainably".

The new 247 buses feature USB charging points and larger windows (Image: Glen Lay) Ms Murphy told the Recorder: "London’s bus network plays a vital role in enabling people to travel across the capital and we are really excited to bring these brand new zero-emission buses to the 247 route in the coming year.  

"We are planning to fully introduce these new electric vehicles (EVs) on the 247 route next year."

The new electric buses boast "state-of-the-art" features, including USB charging points in the seats, a skylight in the upper deck and larger windows.

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New journey information displays will help to provide 247 passengers with more detailed information.

On the design side, wood-effect flooring is used throughout and seating covers with a contrasting colour scheme help to differentiate priority seats from the other seats.

The new 247 buses will also have a larger wheelchair and buggy area and upgraded CCTV cameras to provide higher-definition footage.

TfL said it is currently working to introduce these new buses to even more routes across London.