New electric buses resembling trams have officially hit the streets of London, promising to transform public transport on one of the city’s longest routes. On November 20, 2024, twenty of these innovative vehicles began their service, bridging the gap between Crystal Palace and Orpington, covering approximately 15 miles. This move is part of London’s broader initiative toward achieving cleaner air and reduced emissions.
Recognized for their unique design, these electric buses—operational on route 358—utilize pantograph technology, which allows them to be recharged rapidly at both endpoints of the route. This technology enables charging to occur within just six minutes, ensuring the buses don’t need to return to the garage for recharging during operational hours. With fewer buses required for the route, Transport for London (TfL) highlights the potential for significant savings, which can be diverted to improve other public transport services.
The pantograph, which looks like an arm extending from the roof of the bus, connects to overhead wires, providing high-powered charging without the need for complex wiring along the route—a characteristic reminiscent of traditional trolley buses. These zero-emission vehicles are deemed more environmentally friendly and offer enhanced services for passengers, including USB charging points and improved seat designs.
This latest addition to London’s transport network reflects continued commitments from key stakeholders. The buses are supplied by the Spanish company Irizar, which has partnered with local operator Go-Ahead London to bring these modern vehicles to the capital. Tom Joyner, the Managing Director of Go-Ahead London, expressed pride over the strides made toward zero-emission goals, stating, "Go-Ahead London is leading the way in driving the transition to zero-emission buses, with 636 electric vehicles now operating across our network."
A major selling point of these tram-like buses is their safer design, which incorporates advanced safety features aimed at protecting pedestrians and reducing driver blind spots. Included are speed-limiting technologies, audible alerts for nearby road users, and camera monitoring systems to improve driver visibility. This aligns closely with TfL’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries.
Lorna Murphy, the Director of Buses at TfL, emphasized the importance of this project not only for cleaning London’s air but also as part of the city's push toward becoming carbon neutral. "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," she noted. Murphy also highlighted how this initiative showcases how multiple sectors can collaborate for net-zero transitions.
According to Irizar's Managing Director, Iñigo Etxeberria, the launch of these buses is monumental for urban transport. He remarked, "This creates a global showcase, is a milestone for our business, and increases our prominence in the UK as an innovative company. We really hope Londoners will enjoy the experience of traveling on the modern, sleek, and sustainable Irizar ie tram buses."
This development follows years of discussions and promises surrounding electric and tram technologies to improve London’s transportation infrastructure. It has been two decades since various mayors of London suggested extending tram lines to areas such as Crystal Palace, with former Mayor Boris Johnson making multiple pledges during his tenure. While those tram extensions have yet to materialize, the introduction of the tram-like buses provides a nod to the desire for improved transit solutions.
Although these buses are not trams per se, their appearance and operational characteristics have drawn comparisons. TfL and local advocates assert their potential to improve commuting experiences and help clear London’s notorious air pollution issues, which have been linked to several health complications and premature deaths.
More than 1,700 electric buses now operate throughout London. The use of pantograph technology was previously trialed at Bexleyheath garage starting back in 2022, paving the way for this wider rollout. People living along the 358 route can expect these new, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional diesel buses, encouraging cleaner travel habits.
Ben Curtis, Head of External Affairs at Campaign for Better Transport, praised the initiative, saying, "Buses are our most used form of sustainable transport and bus electrification is key to cutting road emissions and cleaning our air. It’s fantastic to see how innovative technology can be used to keep TfL buses green and efficient."
Residents of south-east London can now enjoy not only the environmental benefits but also modern amenities on board these electric buses. Features like quilted high-back seats significantly increase passenger comfort, making longer journeys more pleasant.
While the rollout is still in its early stages, the 358 route is seen as just the beginning. The commitment from TfL and their partners indicates plans for future expansions and additional routes using similar technology. The enthusiasm surrounding these tram-like buses reflects the city's broader vision for tackling congestion and air quality issues through sustainable transport solutions—going beyond mere promises to deliver tangible results.
So, as the buses glide through the streets of Crystal Palace and beyond, they signal not just the arrival of new electric transport but also the hope of progress toward greener, healthier urban living for all of London.
