Shepherd's Bush Bus Garage Goes Electric

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Multiple charging points mean routes C1 and 70 are now emission free

 

Shepherd's Bush Bus Garage in Wells Road, near Goldhawk Road tube station is making local roads greener by pioneering the use of fully electric buses in the capital.

This major shift at the depot will mean two bus routes through the borough are now running run emission-free.

The bus garage has been equipped with multiple charging points to allow routes C1 and 70 to run exclusively clean, green buses.

A fleet of 36 all-electric vehicles will run on the routes. The buses are charged overnight, avoiding energy use in peak hours.

The new vehicles were formally opened by TFL Commissioner Mike Brown and executives from bus company RATO Dev.

Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner said: "London’s air quality is a public health crisis and we’re committed to tackling it. The Ultra-Low Emission Zone, the world’s toughest emission standard which we’re introducing in central London next year, will help to reduce toxic emissions and vehicles in the transport industry must also lead the way."

It is expected to take until 2037 before all London’s buses are zero-emission, although many hope this will be achieved earlier. All single-decker buses in central London will be zero-emission within two years but double-deckers will take longer to convert.

The change was welcomed by Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment, saying: " We commend the operators for pioneering this change, and hope other bus operators follow their lead and work closely with the council to achieve significant improvement to air quality.

"This is the future of travel in our city and will be a change for the better health of both people and the planet."

November 26, 2018