A new bus for London

Featured in the FTL Newsletter September 2022

If TfL’s funding settlement allows it a new design of bus will shortly be rolled out in London. 29 of the new buses have so far been produced by Alexander Dennis. They are electric of course, but they also have advanced information screens, high back seats with phone charger and bellpush incorporated, wood effect flooring and a sunroof. Also as a first in the modern era the destination as well as the route number is displayed on the back as well as the front of the bus. Vertical grab poles have been replaced by seat back handles to give a more open feel.

The buses are currently at work on route 63 between King’s Cross and Honor Oak which also features advanced priority measures like 24 hour bus lanes and priority at traffic lights.

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: ‘It’s great to see the introduction of this cleaner, safer and 100 per cent electric bus fleet on route 63. As ridership levels on the route return close to pre-pandemic levels, these new buses will play a significant role in encouraging Londoners back onto our bus network.

‘Unfortunately we will not see more of these buses if TfL goes into managed decline due to lack of funding.’