Go-Ahead London’s 400th electric bus went into service on Tuesday.
The company considers this event to be “an important environmental milestone“.
It is a BYD ADL double-deck unit based at Sutton, fleet number Ee178.
Chris McKeown, Director of Engineering, said: “We are making good progress on our journey towards a carbon free future, with more to come later this year and into 2024”.
“Well done to all involved, especially those colleagues who maintain and drive our vehicles,” he added.
Andrew Edwards, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “400 e-buses is a significant figure, as is the ever-increasing number of destinations they serve.”
In addition, Edwards explained that the company is undertaking “major” upgrades to the garages.
“This makes this an exciting time to be involved in service planning and delivery,” he added.
Last week, officials from Go Ahead London and Transport for London (TfL) met to celebrate the fact that the capital’s Zero Emission (ZE) bus fleet has reached more than 1,100 vehicles.
David Cutts, Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director, stated: “Over 1,000 ZE units are now in service across the capital, helping to improve air quality.”
“Working with TfL and our supply chain, we look forward to further fleet decarbonisation over the coming years,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that TfL’s electric fleet is the largest in Western Europe and has the lowest CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre compared to other global cities such as New York, Paris and Vancouver.
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Go-Ahead London prepares for the introduction of single-deck e-buses
The company is awaiting the introduction of BYD ADL single deck electric buses for Route 450 (Bell Green to West Croydon).
Route 450 will soon be the fourth electric service at Croydon, following Routes 119, 264 and 359.
In the meantime, improvements are being made in the workshops so that by the time the new vehicles arrive, everything will be ready.
David Cutts, Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director, stated: “Over 1,000 ZE buses are now in service across the capital, helping to improve air quality.”
“Working with Transport for London and our supply chain, we look forward to further fleet decarbonisation over the coming years,” he added.
Go-Ahead London at the Nottinghill Carnival
Last Sunday the electric bus Ee172, which pays tribute to the contribution of the Windrush pioneers and their descendants, took part in the Nottinghill Carnival.
The vehicle set off from Ladbroke Grove and travelled a three-mile route through west London.
One of those responsible for the drive was Tejan Cole, business operations controller for Go Ahead London, who said: “This is probably the biggest thing I’ve ever done for my community, culture and company. I’ve never felt more proud to represent the commercial department as well as being a part of history in the making.”
“I met a generation of people that sacrificed a lot for the life we live today. I am happy I was able to give something back,” he added.
