A blue and silver livery will be used on buses that have been converted for the Silvertown Tunnel cycle shuttle in east London from the opening of that under-river connection on 7 April.
Stagecoach London will provide the service on behalf of Transport for London (TfL) using a number of existing BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV battery-electric buses. The route will operate every 12 minutes seven day per week and be free to use for at least a year.
TfL says that the blue and silver livery was chosen to differentiate the cycle shuttle from the ‘red bus’ network. Pedestrians without a cycle will not be able to use the route, although new Superloop SL4 service will also operate via the Silvertown Tunnel.
TfL adds that the Enviro200EVs have been converted to convey a range of cycle types, including pedal cycles, tricycles, adaptive cycles and cargo cycles. E-bikes will be permitted to travel.
Two separate bays are provided for cycle storage. Each area can hold up to four standard cycles, with one bay prioritised for non-standard types. Luggage rack space will give room for folding bikes, luggage and other equipment.
The internal layout has been tested to ensure that it allows the widest range of cycles to be accommodated while complying with DVSA requirements. User feedback will be sought to ensure effective operation and consider any possible improvements.
TfL will also share learnings from the exercise with other transport bodies should they wish to replicate the buses’ internal configuration to support cyclists in their cities and towns.
Stagecoach London Managing Director Paul Lynch says that the operator has been busy getting those vehicles ready for the Silvertown Tunnel cycle shuttle and now looks forward to putting them into use.
“This new bus service simply means that cyclists can also benefit from the important new transport link under the river, and we are pleased to be entrusted with providing it by TfL,” he adds.
