Metroline has announced the launch of its new all-electric, zero-emissions buses to be introduced onto the streets of London, coinciding with the first day of London Climate Action Week.
Route 43 is to become the first all-electric zero-emission double-decker bus route, along with route 134 which is also operated Metroline.
The first route took to the roads on the morning of 1 July, and the bus’ maiden journey was driven by Afzol Hussain, who has been a driver at Holloway since 2012, and a mentor at the garage training drivers on the new buses.
Afzol said: “It feels good. Out of all the years driving on route 43, starting from driving buses like the VPL, TP…this electric bus is far better.”
He added: “This bus doesn’t make any noise. The passenger doesn’t feel like they are sitting in a bus it is so comfortable. It will have a big impact on the environment; I think that in the next decade, every bus in London will be electric.”
The Enviro400 MMC-bodied buses are the product of BYD collaborating with Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).
Adrian Jones, Engineering Director, Metroline said: “The launch of the new electric buses on route 43 is a triumph for both Metroline and for London.
“Providing a new challenge for Metroline’s engineering teams, we worked closely with engineers at BYD to develop these new buses, using what we learnt from our trials with their prototypes.
“As a result, they are perfectly designed to deliver Londoners to their destinations, whilst helping to keep London’s air cleaner with zero-emissions.”
Commenting on the introduction of electric buses onto the 43 route, Sean O’Shea, CEO of Metroline, said: “It is fitting that the launch of London’s first all-electric route coincides with the start of London Climate Action Week.
“This is a significant step; route 43 serves thousands of Londoners each day from the heart of the City at London Bridge and Bank, to Islington and Holloway, as well as the suburbs in North London.
“It has been a great team effort to be ready for this moment, and it demonstrates our continued investment and commitment to leading the way for our customers and helping provide cleaner air for Londoners with our ever-growing fleet of all-electric, zero-emissions buses.”
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