London has begun to drive into a new era of sustainable travel with the launch of their new fleet of ‘tram-like’ buses on the 358 route, connecting Crystal Palace to Orpington.
The fully electric Tram buses, developed by Spanish manufacturer Irizar, are powered by rapid charging technology, allowing a full recharge within minutes, using pantograph chargers at both ends of the 24 Kilometer route. This efficiency is able to reduce downtime, enabling the fleet to maintain regular service with fewer vehicles in operation.
As well as being environmentally friendly, these buses also place passenger comfort and safety at the heart, with new anti-slip flooring, improved seating, and other conveniences, such as USB charging ports, as well as offering passengers with prams, luggages, or disabilities easier access with the new low-floor design which can allow for easier boarding.
The new 358 route marks a milestone in London’s green transit journey, in alignment with Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ambitious goals to secure a green, clean and healthy future for London by 2030, as well as TfL’s commitment to a zero-emission bus fleet. Currently, over 1700 zero- emission buses are already in service around the city
Hopefully, in the coming year, we’ll be able to see more of these Tram buses rolling onto new routes, in the same iconic red- but now powered by electrically green innovation.
