A further four routes in London are to be converted to operation by zero-emission double-deckers after new contracts commence in 2021, Transport for London has announced.
The combined PVR for the services concerned will be 70. In addition, one further new contract will begin for a route that will be operated by an undisclosed mix of new battery-electric double-deckers and existing diesel-electric hybrid models.
News of further conversions of routes in the capital to battery-electric double-deck operation comes three weeks after Transport for London awarded several other contracts that will commence in 2021 and utilise zero-emission buses.
In the latest awards, new battery-electric double-deckers will take over the following services:
- 49, which will transfer from Abellio London to RATP Dev subsidiary London United with a PVR of 15
- 63, which will transfer from Go-Ahead London to Abellio London with a PVR of 26
- 132, which will remain with Go-Ahead London with a PVR of 16
- 160/660, which will transfer from Arriva London to Stagecoach London with a PVR of 13.
In addition, route 180 will move from Go-Ahead London to Stagecoach London with a mixed battery-electric and diesel-electric hybrid double-decker PVR of 17.
All new contracts involving battery-electric operation from the latest tranche of awards will commence by 13 November 2021. The zero-emission buses may enter service after the start date depending on infrastructure and/or vehicle delivery timescales, TfL says.
