London operator Metroline marked Clean Air Day with social media posts highlighting the green credentials of its fleet. The operator, part of the ComfortDelGro group, is to deploy a further 28 Volvo BZL electric single-deck buses across two of its routes in London. The new 10.8m, 29-seat vehicles are expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2024, and mark the operator’s second electric order with Volvo Buses, having signed an initial agreement for 48 of the type single decks in November, the first of which are due to arrive this summer.
ComfortDelGro (UK) Group Engineering Director Adrian Jones said: “We continue to make significant investments to introduce more electric buses into our operation, and this latest order demonstrates the confidence we have in Volvo Buses and the aftersales support it provides. Metroline has been pioneering the roll-out of fully electric routes in London for some time, and with an excellent track record. We are excited to be extending the benefits of riding on some of the cleanest, quietest, and most sustainable buses in the capital, to more of our customers.”
Volvo Regional Sales Director for the South Richard Mann added: “With the new Volvo BZL Electric we have a fantastic single and double-deck product which is quickly finding favour with major fleets, and is going to look fantastic operating in London’s iconic red livery.
“Metroline is a terrific customer to work with; the team knows precisely what they want from a manufacturer, and we have every confidence in our new BZL Electric to impress in service.”
The new buses will operate on routes including the 316 from Cricklewood to White City, and the 228 from Central Middlesex Hospital and Maida Hill, which Metroline takes over for from 20 January next year.
