Abellio London has ordered 80 further battery-electric buses from Wrightbus. The deal is made up of 24 GB Kite Electroliner single-deckers and 56 StreetDeck Electroliner double-deckers and they will enter service in 2024.
The GB Kite Electroliners, at least, will include a revised frontal aspect as part of what the manufacturer describes as “a number of safety features” to make them compliant with the Transport for London (TfL) Bus Safety Standard.
Other elements of the safety work are front and nearside blind spot warnings, tyre pressure monitoring, an automated emergency braking system, and what is termed a “dynamic safety test.”
When the latest tranche of StreetDeck Electroliners completes delivery, Abellio London will have over 100 of the type.
All of the 80 buses ordered will be equipped with high-backed Lazzerini seats that incorporate USB charging points and mobile phone holders. Priority positions are in a contrasting colour and Wrightbus says that the wheelchair user and buggy area has been enlarged. Wood effect flooring is also part of the interior fit-out.
Abellio led the way with enhanced interior specifications on TfL vehicles with its Future Bus work on route 63 in 2022. That was adopted for its first StreetDeck Electroliner deliveries, which entered service on route 111 in South West London during 2022.
Speaking about the latest order with Wrightbus, Abellio London Managing Director Jon Eardley says: “Abellio sits at the forefront of EV bus technology in London, leading the way with the introduction of zero-emission buses across our six depots.
“We are proud to support TfL and the Mayor of London’s goals to decarbonise London’s streets. Abellio’s investment in state-of-the-art EV fleet and comprehensive infrastructure has already provided millions of customers with comfortable, cleaner, and greener journeys.
“We are very excited about the future as we energise all six of our London depots and work in partnership with Wrightbus to serve our customers with innovative zero-emission journeys.”
