Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Tram-Style Electric Buses Finally Launch on London Buses Route 358!


The image shows two modern red articulated buses at a bus station, set against a backdrop of bare trees and a cloudy sky. Both buses feature a sleek, rounded front design with large windows. The nearest bus displays the route number "358" and the destination "Crystal Palace" on its electronic board. Above the buses is a large white canopy structure, likely a charging station. The ground is smooth tarmac, marked with yellow lines. In the background, a tall transmission tower and more trees are visible under the partly cloudy sky.
Irizar ie tram on Route 358 - TfL Image
At Last!
 
After several years of delays due to infrastructure issues and multiple Freedom of Information requests to Transport for London (TfL), the Irizar ie tram has finally launched on London Buses Route 358!

From TfL Press release:

• New electric buses charged by innovative pantograph technology now on London’s roads

• Striking new tram-like bus design includes enhanced safety and customer features

• More than 1,700 zero-emission buses now in service in London

From today, Wednesday 20 November, new, stylish, tram-like buses powered by pantograph will be introduced in phases to one of London’s longest bus routes, between Crystal Palace and Orpington. The forward-thinking pantograph technology on route 358 allows fast, high-power charging of the new buses at each end of the 15-mile journey, through an arm-like structure attached to the bus roof, in as little as six minutes. This means drivers do not return to garages to recharge.

This means fewer buses are required on the route, bringing savings that can be invested into other areas of TfL’s network, in addition to the benefits of cleaner, greener travel.

As part of TfL’s commitment to achieving the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads, the buses have a safer front-end design, and include the latest safety features, such as speed limiting technology, audible warnings to alert pedestrians and other road users to the bus, and improved direct and indirect vision for drivers through camera monitoring instead of mirrors. The striking new design of the tram-style buses has an interior that is designed to reduce customer injuries including improved seat design and slip protection for flooring. The buses benefit from enhanced customer features such as USB charging ports and palm-operated assistance buttons.

TfL’s zero-emission fleet is the largest in Western Europe, with more than 1,700 zero-emission buses in operation. Zero-emission buses help to tackle the dangers of toxic air pollution and tackle the climate emergency. Carrying up to 80 times the number of passengers as a car, while taking up just three times as much space, they also help to cut congestion. Route 358 is the latest milestone in the Mayor’s commitment to deliver a zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.

Buses are critical to meeting sustainable transport, safety and environmental targets. They have a huge role to play in reducing congestion, making sustainable travel more attractive to everyone, and, across TfL’s zero-emission bus fleet more widely, supporting jobs across the UK. London’s iconic red bus fleet is one of the greenest in the world, with lower CO2 emissions per passenger kilometres compared to other global cities like New York, Paris and Vancouver.

Introducing new pantograph technology on the route 358 is part of TfL’s plans to improve bus services across London by 2030. Alongside the target to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet, initiatives such as introducing 25km of new bus lanes by 2025 and better interchanges will help to deliver a faster and more efficient bus network for those travelling in the capital. Improved customer information and upgraded bus stops will enable a more inclusive passenger experience.

In 2023, TfL launched the Superloop, a game-changing network of 10 express bus services, linking stations, hospitals and transport hubs across outer London and adding more than six million kilometres per year to the bus network. Data shows that Superloop is already transforming travel with millions of journeys each year, with almost half of the journeys involving an interchange with another mode of public transport.

#Transport for #London: High-speed charging technology powers safer new zero-emission buses on 358 route Tram-like electric #buses with pantograph charging are now on London’s roads, with over 1,700 zero-emission buses in service. tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/high-sp...

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— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) November 20, 2024 at 10:48 AM
Lorna Murphy, Director of Buses, TfL, said: “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.”

Tom Joyner, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London said: “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 to 2026 Go-Ahead Group of which Go-Ahead London is part of, 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."

Iñigo Etxeberria, Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility, said: “We are proud to be a partner on this project, which is another step forward in London’s green transition. This creates a global showcase, is a milestone for our business and increases our prominence in the UK as an innovative company. It is a large-scale project that we are delighted to be implementing in this city. These twenty buses will electrify this ultra-fast opportunity charging bus line. We really hope that Londoners will enjoy the experience of travelling into the modern, sleek and sustainable Irizar ie tram buses. “

Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Mete Coban said: “Electrifying London’s bus fleet is key to the Mayor’s aims of cleaning up London’s toxic air and making London a net-zero carbon city by 2030. London already has the largest zero-emission fleet in Western Europe, but our ambition is to achieve the Mayor’s goal of the entire fleet being zero-emission by 2030. These state-of-the-art buses will benefit from technology to help them run for longer without being charged, making journeys more efficient, and will also feature multiple safety improvements. This is all part of our plans to continue building a safer, greener London for everyone.”

Liam Conlon, Member of Parliament for Beckenham and Penge, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Mayor introducing these new zero-emission buses. They are the first buses of their kind in the UK, and I’m delighted it’s on the 358 route that runs through Beckenham and Penge. Local residents will benefit from safer travel and cleaner air as a result.

“In the months since being elected, people have made it clear to me that a greener London and improved road safety are top of their priority lists. That’s why seeing the new 358 bus hit the roads is such a welcome sight.

“Today’s launch represents great progress and shows what a greener, fairer London looks like in action. I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor and our new Government to build on it.”

Rosie Allen, Policy Adviser, Green Alliance, said: “Greener buses mean the same fare for cleaner air, so it's exciting to see new futuristic, tram-style fast-charging buses take on the 358 route. As they make their way across 15 miles of South London streets, charging at either end, they'll prove that here is no route too long for electric buses, and point the way to a future free of fossil fuels for transport.”

Ben Curtis, Head of External Affairs at Campaign for Better Transport said: “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 like pantograph charging can be used to keep TfL buses green and efficient and support operation on longer routes on the network.”

Read more

The next route for the Irizar ie trams will be on the Fastrack bus routes in Kent Thameside, which are expected to launch in April 2025.

It’s worth noting that the Irizar ie trams for Fastrack contain two wheelchair spaces to improve accessibility, along with increased standee space.

Before the Irizar ie tram was introduced on Route 358, there were numerous suggestions made during various TfL consultations advocating for the purchase of more of these tram-style, single-deck buses.

The next step is for TfL to adopt my suggestions for improving accessibility in their bus fleet, including the addition of two wheelchair spaces, which would allow two wheelchair users to travel on the same bus.

 

You can read more about my suggestions in my previous articles:
Reviewing and Suggesting a New Common Bus Specification for London, Greater Manchester and Other Franchised Areas
Why is Creativity in Public Transport Important, Including Bus Route Planning and Branding?
My Suggestions To Help Create The Most Accessible Zero-Emission Bus For London And Elsewhere!

I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.

Further reading
In Defence of the 'Tram-style' Designed Single-deck Buses

Monday, 18 November 2024

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses for Route D8

Transport for London has announced that Stagecoach will retain Route D8, featuring new double-decker electric buses.

LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for the following routes with the operators listed below:

Route 46
Retained By: Metroline
PVR: 17
Vehicles: Existing electric single deck
Contract Start Date: 21st June 2025
Contract End Date: 18th June 2032

Thursday, 14 November 2024

Transport for London Reveals Costs for Branding the Superloop Express Bus Routes

Livery drawing of Superloop Route SL1 Bus - Source

A Freedom of Information request to Transport for London (TfL) has revealed figures for the branding of the Superloop bus routes, which include vinyl wraps, bus stop branding, and bus stop customer information.

Request ID: FOI-2302-2425
Date published: 14 November 2024

SL1
🚍 Vehicle Vinyl Wraps: £71,200.00
🚏 Bus Stop Branding: £24,383.33
🏷️ Printed at Stop Customer Information: £8,891.66
Total for SL1: £104,474.99

Friday, 8 November 2024

A Response to Daniel Timms’ Proposal on Scrapping Tube Fare Zones

In response to Daniel Timms' suggestion to scrap London's Tube fare zones and introduce distance-based fares in kilometres, there are several key points to consider that highlight the potential confusion and difficulties for various groups of passengers. He published his suggestion on The Londoner website, which can be found here. While the idea of distance-based pricing may seem appealing at first glance, it overlooks the significant impact this could have on passengers who rely on the current fare system, particularly those using Oyster Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) and contactless payment methods.

Why Distance-Based Fares Could Cause Confusion

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

TfL Publishes More Information About Passenger Emergency Alarms Used by Wheelchair Users for Missed Assistance at Tube and Railway Stations

This is a follow-up to my previous article about Transport for London (TfL), in which a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request mentioned the use of Passenger Emergency Alarms (PEA) by wheelchair users in the event of missed assistance at Tube and railway stations.

The FOI response below provides detailed information, such as the height of the PEAs and the Call For Aid (CFA) help points inside some of their trains.

Request ID: FOI-2221-2425
Date published: 04 November 2024

Monday, 4 November 2024

Advocating for Tube and Railway Drivers: The Importance of Filming POV Videos on the London Underground and Railway Services to Promote Public Transport Travel

Screenshot of the Elizabeth line Driver's Eye Video on YouTube

This is in support of London Underground Tube drivers (and train drivers) who wish to film their experiences driving an Underground or railway train during their duties, as this is one method of promoting public transport usage to tackle climate change issues.

The London Underground, known affectionately as "the Tube," is the world’s oldest rapid transit system, having first opened its doors to passengers in 1863. This iconic transport network has played a crucial role in shaping the city of London and its surrounding areas, facilitating the movement of millions of commuters each day. With its rich history and extensive network, the Tube remains a vital component of London’s transport infrastructure.

Friday, 1 November 2024

London Bus Tender Awards: New Routemasters Continue On Routes 55 & 87, New Electric Buses for Route 230

As we are in November of 2024, it has been reported by Transport for London (TfL) that routes 55 and 87 will continue to use three-door, two-staircase New Routemasters, and route 230 will be served using new electric double-deck buses.

LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for the following routes with the operators listed below:

TfL Answers Questions About The New London Underground 2024 Tube Stock For The Piccadilly Line


Transport for London (TfL) has released information in response to a Freedom of Information request regarding the 2024 Tube Stock by Siemens Mobility.

For some of my readers, hopefully it has answered your questions about changes such as the interior design and the Platform Screen/Edge Doors, driverless operation, etc.

Request ID: FOI-2143-2425
Date published: 31 October 2024

Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Overview of Rail Passenger Compensation in the UK (2020-2024)

  • Significant increase in rail passenger compensation payouts from 2020 to 2024, rising from £6.4 million to over £138.6 million.
  • Growth driven by a rise in passenger journeys and heightened awareness of compensation rights.
  • Implementation of Delay Repay schemes, with compensation available for delays of 15 minutes or more.
  • Fluctuations in rail performance and adverse weather events led to higher compensation claims.
  • Traditional charter compensation remains important for delays exceeding 60 minutes.

The Department for Transport has released data revealing how much compensation train operating companies (TOCs) in the UK have paid to passengers since 2016. This compensation, guided by each company's Passenger’s Charter, includes various schemes: delay repay compensation, traditional charter compensation, and discretionary payments. In this article, we'll take a closer look at compensation trends from 2020 to 2024, focusing on noteworthy changes and the factors at play.

Monday, 28 October 2024

Over £1 Billion Investment to Enhance Bus Services Across England as Fares are Capped at £3 🚍

• The UK government announces an investment of over £1 billion to revitalise bus services. 🚍
• A cap on single bus fares is set at £3, effective from 1 January 2025.
• The initiative aims to ensure affordable public transport for millions, especially in rural areas and towns.

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