Transport for London (TfL) has revealed when the new trambuses will start entering passenger service, as their rollout continues to be plagued with problems. In December, TfL told MyLondon that trials of new buses on Route 358 would begin in the spring.
This comes after the originally scheduled March 2023 start date for all vehicles was postponed. This is due to issues with installing the required infrastructure.
A new bus is now set to enter passenger service on route 358 between Orpington and Crystal Palace, TfL confirmed yesterday (Tuesday, January 30) in the summer. In June 2024, customers will be able to experience the new vehicles on the streets of South London.
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However, there are currently no plans for further similar models. TfL also provided further details on why the rollout will be further out than planned.
“Unfortunately, power connections and land ownership have contributed to delays in the installation of pantographs at both ends of the route,” the department said in a response to a Freedom of Information request. It added: “While there are currently no plans for additional bus-like tram models, decisions regarding vehicle proposals remain the responsibility of bus operators.” […] Bus operators bid for these buses as part of a route tender tender.
“Infrastructure and purchase costs are built into the Route 358 contract.”
New buses can be charged in “10 minutes”
Officials say the 20 new buses are innovative electric ieTram vehicles that can be charged in just 10 minutes. Also, no exhaust gas is generated.
They were built by engineers at Irizar in Spain and are shaped like tram cars, with a higher-than-normal roofline and larger windows. However, it is designed to be driven on the road.
New features include covered wheels to better protect pedestrians and cyclists who are at risk of being dragged under the wheels of regular buses.
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In a report to the TfL board in June, executives were told the new vehicles were expected to be launched in “second half of 2023”. “The 358 route will also benefit from strikingly designed new buses, with enhanced customer features and the latest bus safety features, while retaining the iconic red livery.”
“Twenty new single-decker ieTram buses, manufactured by Irizar e-Mobility, will be introduced on Route 358 between Orpington, Bromley and Crystal Palace in late 2023.”
Back in November 2022, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Chairman of TfL, said in XKnown at the time as Twitter, he said the new addition to the city’s bus fleet would be a “game changer.” He added: “As part of our commitment to making London greener for everyone, TfL will introduce 20 new zero-emission electric buses in 2023, which will take just 10 minutes to charge. ” he added.
“We look forward to seeing these new buses in action.”
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