Abellio’s 111th electric bus, a Wrightbus Streetdeck Electroliner, has gone into operation on route 111 in West London.
The double-decker is the last of a fleet of 30 from the order to be put in operation on the route between Heathrow and Kingston. The official launch of its electric fleet follows electrification of its Twickenham depot, which the operator says has been “completed sensitively” in view of its history. The building opened in 1902 and originally housed trams and trolleybuses.
UK Power Networks fast-tracked the delivery of 3.8 megawatts of electricity capacity to the depot through its Green Recovery scheme, working with Abellio Bus London and Transport for London (TfL).
The Abellio order was made direct with Wrightbus without external funding or grant, the cost of ownership and ownership being covered by its contract process with TfL.
The high-spec interior is similar to those seen on buses already used on route 63. Seats come with USB chargers and mobile phone-holders and are high-back style. Digital signage includes the time to the next stop, disruptions, space on the next bus, and service updates, while the wheelchair area has a dedicated board.
Jon Eardley, Managing Director of Abellio London, says: ‘We are delighted that our 111th EV bus has started service in London on route 111. Abellio is leading the way in providing cleaner and more comfortable electric transport for our customers. We are incredibly proud of this milestone moment for our business.”
