Pantograph charging Irizar ie tram single-deck electric buses for route 358
Request ID: FOI-0503-2122 Date published: 29 June 2021
You asked
Dear TfL
I have a Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulation request in relation to pantograph charging facilities for route 358.
A website named 'IanVisits' have posted an article about pantograph charging Irizar ie tram single-deck electric buses for route 358 serving Crystal Palace and Orpington.
https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2021/06/01/could-the-pantograph-make-a-return-to-londons-buses/
a) Would you be able to release the planning documents (including sketches for Crystal Palace and Orpington) in relation to the project mentioned on 'IanVisits' website?
b) Will route 358 be part of the TfL Trams network and be included on the Tube (and rail) map?
c) Will route 358 have their own branding?
d) Will the Irizar ie tram single-deck electric bus have larger dual door entrance at the front to comply with TfL's Bus Safety Standard specification and in line with the rest of the bus fleet?
e) Can you reveal the cost of the project?
f) When TfL expect the trial for route 358 to start?
g) Will the vehicles be owned by TfL and leased to Go-Ahead London in a similar arrangement with the New Routemaster and double-deck hydrogen fuel cell buses (as mentioned on request ID FOI-2652-2021), or will it be directly owned/leased by Go-Ahead London for their route contract?
h) Will TfL plan to convert more routes to these electric tram bus vehicles?
i) Do TfL plan to reinstate a project to build overhead charging facilities for two SRM bodied Volvo B5LHC for route 37, as mentioned on request ID FOI-2652-2021?
j) Do TfL have other projects in relation to the rollout and trials of zero-emission buses?
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0503-2122/GH Thank you for your writing to Transport for London (TfL) on 9 June 2021 to request information about pantograph charging involving manufacturer Irizar and trams and single-deck electric buses for route 358. Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require. The option of operating route 358 with opportunity charging and pantographs is currently being considered at the feasibility stage, and therefore we are unable to provide any information on costs or start date, and as no decisions have been taken on branding or mapping either.
