TfL introduces pantograph charging on one of London’s longest bus routes

Tram-like zero emission buses powered by pantograph have been introduced to one of London's longest bus routes, between Crystal Palace and Orpington. 

The pantograph technology on route 358 allows fast, high-power charging of the new Spanish built 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, which says Transport for London (TfL), means fewer buses are required on the route, allowing savings to be invested into other parts of the network.

In support of 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 a range of safety features such as speed limiting technology, audible warnings to alert pedestrians and other road users, and improved direct and indirect vision for drivers through camera monitoring instead of mirrors. The bus interior is designed to reduce passenger injuries including improved seat design and slip protection for flooring.

Buses, says TfL, are critical to meeting London’s sustainable transport, safety and environmental targets and TfL's zero-emission fleet is the largest in Western Europe, with more than 1,700 zero-emission buses in operation.

Introducing new pantograph technology is part of its programme to improve bus services across London by 2030. Alongside the target to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet, other initiatives include introducing 25km of new bus lanes by 2025 and better interchanges.

Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses said, "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.”

Iñigo Etxeberria, Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility, said, "We are proud to be a partner on this project, which creates a global showcase, is a milestone for our business and increases our prominence in the UK as an innovative company."

Ben Curtis, Head of External Affairs at Campaign for Better Transport added, "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."