The first of the Irizar ie tram fleet was today put into service by Go-Ahead London on route 358 between Crystal Palace and Orpington after a delay of more than a year.
The tram-like vehicles, which are powered by overhead pantograph technology at each end of what is one of the London’s longest routes, were originally due to have been on the road by summer 2023.
In July, the roll-out of the 20 12m-long buses was promised to start in the summer, with the cited explanation for the setbacks being difficulties negotiating stakeholders and landowners over installation of the 450kW pantographs.
The charging method means the vehicles can be fully repowered within six minutes at each end of the 15-mile route rather than at the depot, making it possible to run a service via fewer vehicles.
The launch in Crystal Palace today of the vehicles comes after Go-Ahead London earlier this month mobilised the first of the 28 Irizar ie trams it has lined up for use on the North Kent Fastrack bus rapid transit network.
Transport for London (TfL) has hailed the introduction of the buses as a step in London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to deliver a zero-emission fleet by 2030.
According to TfL, the fleet will also assist in its “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads. Features include safer front-end design, speed-limiting technology, audible warnings to alert pedestrians and other road users to the bus, camera monitoring and other interior safety designs.
Lorna Murphy, Director of Buses, TfL, says: “The harmful effects of toxic air pollution in the capital are known to contribute to thousands of premature deaths and serious health conditions. Londoners deserve to breathe clean air, and it is vital that we continue to deliver solutions to address this.
“Installing new rapid-charging pantograph infrastructure on one of London’s longest bus routes is an innovative step forward, helping us to run cleaner, greener services that get Londoners where they need to be.
“Working with partners across a range of different sectors on this project, we are showcasing how the broader shift to net-zero can be achieved. The move to increase the number of zero-emission buses on the capital’s streets is a key part of the Mayor’s goal to make London a zero carbon city.”
The pantograph chargers, as well as the 100kW chargers for the depot, which can serve two buses simultaneously, were supplied by Irizar Group business Jema Energy.
Tom Joyner, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London, adds: “I am incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made this year in our journey toward a zero-emission future.
“Go-Ahead London is leading the way in driving the transition to zero-emission buses, with 636 electric vehicles now operating across our network. This includes the exciting launch of the 358 route and the expansion of our pantograph technology, both strong testaments to our commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities.
“From 2024-2026, Go-Ahead Group, of which Go-Ahead London is part, will be investing £500 million to introduce even more electric buses, focusing on London, in support of TfL’s net-zero targets.
“Our partnership with TfL ensures we can continue to serve our communities while setting new industry standards for sustainability. Together, we are not only transforming public transport but also creating a lasting positive impact.”
