London Launches Electric Buses

The new buses can charge at either end of their route in minutes without returning to garages for charging.

1 minute read

November 26, 2024, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of geometric green leaf logo and "Electric Cleaner Air for London" white text on side of red London bus.

Bennphoto / Adobe Stock

A new fleet of electric buses managed by Transport for London (TfL) and operated by Go-Ahead London, is hitting London streets, reports Liz Jackson for the BBC.

The zero-emission buses can be charged in under six minutes at each end of their route, eliminating the need to return them to a central charging center. The buses charge using pantograph technology and mechanical arms attached to the roof. “The transport authority said the changes would bring financial benefits because fewer buses are required on the route, so money could be reinvested into other parts of the network.”

The buses also include new safety features such as speed-limiting technology, audible warnings for people outside the bus, and camera monitoring. The front end of the train is designed for better visibility, while the interior uses improved seat and flooring designs to reduce injuries.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in BBC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

45 minutes ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

1 hour ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of white sign with black text; line drawing of bike and 'BIKE LANE'

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash

Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.

2 hours ago - Houston Chronicle