17 September, 2024: In a bold step towards the future of public transport, Arriva, a British multinational public transport company, has partnered with UK Power Networks, a distribution network operator for electricity, to transform its Whitehall Road bus depot into a hub for electric buses. This major initiative will introduce 109 brand-new electric buses to Arriva’s fleet, powered by a cutting-edge 4.5-megawatt electrical connection that will ensure efficient charging and seamless operations.
The electrification effort involves the installation of 5 kilometres of high-voltage cables to deliver the necessary power, courtesy of UK Power Networks. This new infrastructure has been fast-tracked and funded through the Green Recovery Fund, part of UK Power Networks' broader strategy to drive the UK towards a net-zero carbon future. The project reflects the combined efforts of both companies to modernise public transport and reduce the carbon footprint of urban travel.
Adam Lakey, leading the Green Recovery projects at UK Power Networks, stated in the company press release, “This investment is a watershed for Thornton Heath bus garage, which can now electrify its bus fleet and usher in a new age of cleaner, greener electric public transport. Our Green Recovery programme has delivered essential new power infrastructure to bus fleets, motorway service areas and rapid charging hubs to connect more electric vehicles and accelerate the country’s transition to net zero carbon emissions.”
Arriva's electric buses will operate on key London routes, including 64, 612, 50, 194, 250, 255, 289, 689, and 663, plus related night routes, offering thousands of commuters a more eco-friendly alternative. The move represents a significant milestone in London’s drive towards sustainable public transport and will make a measurable impact on reducing carbon emissions in the capital.
In the press release, Nick Owen, Director of Buses at Transport for London (TfL), emphasised the importance of this step, stating, “London’s red buses are iconic and the 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. With more than 1,500 zero emission vehicles on London’s roads, our programme of decarbonising the capital’s buses is playing a crucial role in the journey to Net Zero. Zero emission buses help Londoners breathe cleaner air and reduce the impact of road transport on our environment. Investment into the electricity network and securing power at all bus garages is vital to ensure the transition and operation of zero emission buses in London.”
This project is part of Arriva's broader sustainability strategy, which is already seeing electric buses rolled out across Europe. Recently, the company introduced 16 electric buses to its Czech Republic operations and placed an order for 51 electric double-decker buses from Volvo. These investments underscore Arriva’s dedication to delivering cleaner, more sustainable public transport across the continent.
The electrification of the Whitehall Road depot represents a major milestone in our pursuit of greener transportation solutions, showcasing how partnerships between public transport operators and energy providers can drive innovative and sustainable urban mobility initiatives.
