London to Receive 1,200 New Electric Buses in £500m Green Transport Boost
Key Ideas
  • London secures the majority of a £500m investment for green transport, with 1,200 UK-made zero emission buses ordered by Go-Ahead.
  • Electric buses are part of London Mayor Sadiq Khan's plan to achieve a net zero city by 2030, aiming to remove diesel buses by 2034.
  • The shift to electric buses is seen as a significant step in reducing toxic air pollution with London already having the largest zero-emission bus fleet in western Europe.
  • Transport Secretary Louise Haigh highlights the confidence in UK investment, with plans for a UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel and a commitment to plant 10 trees for every bus manufactured.
London is set to receive a substantial boost in green transport with the announcement of 1,200 new electric buses as part of a £500m investment. Go-Ahead, the largest bus operator in London, has placed the order for these zero emission buses which are to be manufactured in the UK. The capital already boasts the largest zero emission bus fleet in western Europe, with over 1,500 electric buses operating on more than 70 routes. Mayor Sadiq Khan aims to accelerate the transition to greener vehicles, targeting a net zero city by 2030 and planning to remove diesel buses by 2034. While the cost of electric buses is higher upfront, their operational costs are lower due to the affordability of electricity compared to diesel. However, challenges such as the need for more garage space due to the longer charging times are acknowledged. London's bus fleet currently includes various types of zero-emission buses, including battery electric buses, opportunity charged electric buses, and a small number of hydrogen buses. The plans for a tram-style single decker on route 358 have faced delays but the overall investment from Go-Ahead is expected to create 500 jobs and support manufacturing in the UK. The electric buses will not only benefit London but also other regions such as Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight. As part of their sustainability efforts, Go-Ahead and Wrightbus will plant 10 trees for every bus manufactured, contributing to a greener environment in the areas where these buses are deployed.
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