The first Irizar ie tram battery-electric bus for Fastrack bus rapid transit services in Kent Thameside has been delivered ahead of the contract for that network being taken up by Go-Ahead London.
28 of those buses are on order, with Go-Ahead to commence a 15-year contract to operate the Thameside Fastrack services in November. All are set for deployment by April 2025 and five more battery-electric buses are to be procured for a new Fastrack route in Dover.
VEV will provide 450kW inverted pantograph-based opportunity chargers for the Thameside fleet at two locations. Work on that infrastructure will commence at the end of August and the chargers will be at Gravesend bus station and Acacia Hall in Dartford.
Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Neil Baker has welcomed the arrival of the first Irizar ie tram. “This marks a significant milestone and an exciting time for users of our Kent Thameside Fastrack service as we upgrade our fleet to new electric models,” says Cllr Baker.
“The investment is an indication of our commitment to Fastrack and better air quality for Kent’s residents. I am looking forward to seeing them in operation.”
KCC Fastrack Development Manager Shane Hymers adds that specification of the ie tram buses has been “completely led by our customers and driving staff.”
He continues: “We listened carefully to what would improve their Fastrack experience, which led to some very bespoke design elements. The buses include wireless charging docks for smartphones, ambient lighting, and even railway-style tables complete with coffee cup holders.
“We have also added an additional wheelchair user bay to make sure that the buses are fully accessible for all residents.”
Go-Ahead London Fastrack Project Manager Isobel Hedley-Jones adds that the ie tram buses “are part of Go-Ahead’s wider plan to improve the Fastrack network for the communities we will serve, and signal commitment to high-quality, reliable and punctual services.”
