Arriva now has more than 100 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner battery-electric double-deckers in service or on order after completion of a deal for 34 further examples to be supplied to Arriva London in 2024.
Edmonton depot will be home for those vehicles, which are for use on Transport for London (TfL) route 279. When delivered, Arriva London will have over 110 battery-electrics across four depots. It was recently awarded several new route contracts by TfL that call for further deliveries of such buses.
In the meantime, Wrightbus has this year delivered 50 StreetDeck Electroliners to Arriva London that were ordered previously. 24 others are in the process of being supplied to Arriva Midlands in Leicester.
The latter buses are part-funded by a successful bid by Leicester City Council to the fast track mechanism of phase one of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme in England. They are also the first low-height StreetDeck Electroliners built by Wrightbus.
Speaking about the latest order, Arriva UK Bus Operations Director and Arriva London Managing Director Marcos Hart says: “We are delighted to once again be partnering with Wrightbus to welcome a further 34 zero-emission vehicles into our growing electric operation.
“In addition to enhancing the onboard experience for our passengers, this investment is a further demonstration of our commitment to delivering a sustainable and environmentally-friendly bus network, while supporting TfL’s long-term vision for London.”
Wrightbus recently introduced revised, ‘softer’ frontal aspects to both the StreetDeck and GB Kite zero-emission models to suit London requirements. Adds CEO Jean-Marc Gales: “Our continued partnership with Arriva is hugely significant in the drive to zero-emission public transport.
“Seeing the impact our fleet is having on communities is incredibly gratifying and we must continue to strengthen the case for further support for zero-emission transport to ensure that net-zero targets are met.
“We are consistently at the forefront of zero- and low-emission travel, and we look forward to progressing future orders with bus operators across the globe. We cannot wait to see even more of our buses in operation, which will help passengers to enjoy comfortable and cleaner transport.”
