More than 20 environment friendly buses are operating from Brixton bus garage thanks to a new electricity connection.
UK Power Networks (UKPN) has completed work at Arriva Brixton, on Streatham Hill, to enable new electric buses to charge overnight.
Arriva said the project represents a major contribution towards reducing local pollution levels, while helping to enable the UK’s transition to net zero.
The UKPN team installed new cables to provide additional power at the garage, which will charge 22 electric buses operating on route 319 from Streatham Hill to Sloane Square via Clapham Junction.
The work reduces running costs for the garage, which is able to charge its new fleet when local electricity demand is very low.
Irvine Nyamapfene, project manager at UKPN, said: “We are pleased to be playing a key part in the city looking forward to a greener future.”
Chiara Lorenzetti, engineering programme manager at Arriva Brixton, said: “We were delighted to partner with UK Power Networks who effectively played such a key role in enabling the delivering of zero emission journeys for Londoners using our new electric routes.”
UKPN which powers London, the South East and East of England, has enabled more than 500 buses in the capital to turn electric in recent years.
Louise Cheeseman, director of bus at Transport for London, said: “These works at Brixton garage are helping help drive forward our zero-emission bus agenda, giving bus operators the capacity to charge the significant number of vehicles now operating in London.
“London has one of the largest and greenest fleets in the world, but we won’t stop until every single one of the capital’s buses is zero-emission.
“With their smooth, quiet journeys and innovative features, zero-emission buses don’t just help reduce the effects of climate change and improve air quality – they help to make our city better for everyone and offer a great alternative to the car when getting around town.”
UKPN invests more than £600m in electricity networks every year and is undertaking trials to ensure that electricity networks support the transition to a low carbon future.
The 322 bus that runs through Brixton on Atlantic and Railton Roads has begun to be served by some all-electric buses.
