Bus operator RATP Dev London has placed what is thought to be the UK’s largest ever electric bus order with manufacturer BYD UK and Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL).
RATP Dev London has ordered 195 buses as part of its commitment to supporting Transport for London’s (TfL) electrification plan for London’s bus network, a key objective of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy for 2018, under which all TfL buses will be zero emissions by 2037.
By the beginning of 2022, RATP Dev London will be the largest operator of electric buses in London, with close to 25% of its London United and London Sovereign fleet fully electric.
Deliveries of RATP Dev London’s latest BYD ADL fleet will begin in the summer. The order comprises 68 BYD ADL Enviro200EV single decks – including 21 compact 10.2-metre models – and 127 BYD ADL Enviro400EV double decks. The buses will be based at RATP Dev London’s Fulwell, Harrow and Shepherd’s Bush depots to serve routes in the west of the capital.
The buses will join 36 existing BYD ADL single decks in service since 2018 and 29 BYD ADL double decks delivered last year. Feedback from RATP Dev London on these in-service vehicles has been positive, with the double deck BYD ADL Enviro400EV delivering exceptional reliability on 24-hour route operations.
“Electrification is a critical part of our business and partnership with TfL,” said Catherine Chardon, managing director of RATP Dev London, said. “We launched our two first 100% electric routes less than two years ago, as well as London’s first fully electric 24-hour double-decker bus route last year. By the beginning of 2022, we will operate 15 zero emission routes and have five of our garages converted to electric. This agreement will help RATP Dev London position itself as the leading electric bus services provider in the city. We are proud to work hand in hand with TfL to help London achieve its sustainability goals.”
BYD UK’s managing director, Frank Thorpe, added: “Public transport in the capital often provides the blueprint for other towns and cities and the fact that a major operator like RATP Dev is making such a substantial commitment to eMobility will, I believe, resonate with local authorities across the UK. The increasing electrification of routes by TfL operators is delivering long-term productivity to their fleets and real environmental benefits for Londoners.”