Arriva has announced plans to expand its zero-emission bus fleet in London with the addition of 109 electric vehicles at its Thornton Heath depot, set to begin operations in spring 2025. To support the transition to an all-electric fleet, Arriva has completed the installation of the required charging infrastructure, including a new electricity substation and approximately 5 kilometers of underground cabling to accommodate the increased demand from charging multiple buses simultaneously.
This marks the third bus depot in London to be electrified by Arriva, following the company’s earlier efforts to modernize its fleet. The bus operator, which currently operates around 17 percent of London’s buses, has committed £730 million to upgrade all 14 of its depots in the capital by 2030. Arriva aims to have its entire fleet in London fully electric within the next five years.
Jens Abromeit, Managing Director at Arriva UK Bus, expressed pride in the progress of the company’s electrification program: “I’m proud that our programme of depot electrification is gathering pace in London with this third depot now ready to serve a substantial fleet of zero-emission buses,” he said. “This represents a significant investment for Arriva and a commitment to working in partnership with TfL to deliver on their decarbonisation agenda.”
Arriva is also in the process of electrifying other bus depots, including those in Tottenham, Palmers Green, Croydon, and Norwood. Brixton Tramshed and Enfield depots were equipped with charging stations in 2021. The ongoing efforts aim to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance passenger comfort across the city’s public transportation network.
