Jon Eardley has been appointed Managing Director of Abellio London Bus. He takes over from Tony Wilson, who has retired.
Jon began his career in the bus industry 26 years ago as a 16-year-old apprentice fitter. He has worked in engineering roles across the UK at both an operational and managerial level and most recently held the position of Engineering Director for Abellio UK Bus, covering Abellio London.
According to Jon, that success in moving from apprentice fitter to Managing Director comes down to hard work, resilience, and embracing opportunities.
Among his notable achievements are leading the business to Earned Recognition status with DVSA in 2019, which he calls his “proudest moment”, and his overseeing the introduction of the first double-deck zero-emission electric buses to the Abellio London Bus fleet in 2021, adding to the 34 single-deckers already in service.
While acknowledging the difficulties of 2021, Jon reveals he is optimistic about the coming year: “My ambition is for Abellio London to continue to lead the way in terms of innovative delivery on safe, reliable, green bus transportation that is fit for the future,” he says. “As a key partner in the greatest transportation system in the world, we will play our part in Transport for London’s (TfL’s) vision for a ‘strong green heartbeat for London’.
“As for most other organisations, 2021 was a challenging year in lots of ways. But I’ve been humbled by the commitment our staff have shown to delivering an excellent, safe service each and every day.
“Even after 26 years in the business, I remain in awe of the drivers, engineers, shunters and cleaners who keep our fleets moving, rain or shine. They are heroes, and I want to thank them all personally for the great work they do in keeping one of the greatest cities on Earth moving.”
2022 will see the business electrify four more routes across multiple depots. It will also see the completion of a new depot on Dawley Road, Hayes, alongside 12 zero-emission buses.
“These exciting developments will allow us to continue to lead the way among our peers in cleaning up London’s air to meet TfL’s aspiration for the bus fleet to be zero emission by 2034,” Jon adds. “We will strengthen our presence in the capital and across the country, and continue to lead the way in terms of safety. We will champion the adoption of innovative vehicle technology and features to create a modern – and even surprising – experience for customers.”
