TfL's new 'tram buses' are now running on one of London’s longest bus routes

A new fleet of tram-like electric buses have been launched across one of London’s longest bus routes, with unique technology allowing buses to charge in as little as six minutes. The new vehicles have been introduced across the 358 route connecting Crystal Palace and Orpington.

The 20 new buses are powered through pantograph technology using an arm that attaches to the roof of the bus at each end of the 15-mile long journey. The innovation comes as part of a collaboration between Transport for London (TfL), Go-Ahead London and Irizar e-mobility.

TfL has said the change will allow fewer buses to be required on the route, bringing savings that can be invested in other areas of the transport authority’s network. Other features include a safer front-end design with speed limiting technology and audible warnings for pedestrians.

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The interior of the buses include USB charging ports and palm-operated assistance buttons as well as an interior designed to reduce customer injuries. Liam Conlon, Labour MP for Beckenham and Penge, said the new buses were a fantastic development for the transport network in South East London.

Mr Conlon told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "It can charge a bus in six minutes, so you can now charge a bus quicker than you can charge a phone."

He added: "There's a range of new safety features on this bus, including non-slip flooring. A lot of accidents on buses happen inside. There are new cameras put on to help drivers navigate the roads. There is also better accessibility using lower floors and more space for wheelchairs and buggies, which will make our public transport more accessible to more people."

Pantograph technology was first introduced to the capital in 2022 at Bexleyheath bus garage for the 132 route. Lorna Murphy, director of buses at TfL, said the new technology will allow buses to quickly recharge and stay out for up to 22 hours a day without needing to be returned to the depot.

Ms Murphy told the LDRS: "The green benefits are obviously that we're reducing our carbon emissions. On a bus like this, we can carry up to 80 times the amount of people that can go in a car in just three times the space. Clearly that’s a huge benefit from an emissions point of view, for the climate, for improving the air that we all breathe and that’s great for Londoners."

The innovation comes as part of TfL’s plans to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2030, with over 1,700 electric buses in operation. Safety improvements on the fleet will also reportedly contribute towards the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads.

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