London Launches Electric Buses

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.