The Irizar ie tram fleet for service 358 between Crystal Palace and Orpington will be operational after a long delay this summer, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed.
The roll-out of the 20 tram-like battery-electrics, which were initially due to enter service last year, has been hit by complexities working with stakeholders and landowners to install the charging infrastructure.
Pantograph charging is necessary at each end of the route due to the service being one of London’s longest, at 15 miles.
The 450kW pantographs are being installed by EO Charging to allow opportunity charging within five minutes, which limits turnaround time and ensures fewer buses are needed.
Irizar is delivering the last of the stand-out zero-emission buses to operator Go-Ahead London this month.
They are built to the latest TfL Bus Safety Standard specifications and feature the traditional London bus livery.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently responded to a written submission at Mayoral Question Time regarding the timing of the introduction: “The all-electric route 358 ie tram buses are expected to start operating in summer 2024.
“They will be TfL’s first end-to-end opportunity-charging’ trial, and it is important to get the hardware installed properly before the buses are introduced.
“The electric buses will use pantograph technology for a quick boost charge at either end of the route, allowing the buses to stay out for the full day.
“The new buses, which resemble a tram, will have enhanced customer features and the latest bus safety specifications.”
Go-Ahead London is also set to deploy 28 Irizar ie tram buses on the Kent Thameside Fastrack bus rapid transit network later this year.
