First Bus London has stated it will be prioritising both ‘electrification and operational excellence’ at the heart of its delivery strategy as it aims to become the capital’s leading bus operator.
Established earlier this year following the acquisition of RATP Dev Transit London; First Bus London operated 83 routes in and around the capital and carries over 180 million customers per year.
21 of the operator’s London routes utilise electric vehicles across a series of six electrified garages, with additional electrification upgrades due by the beginning of 2026, including the electrification of Route 18.
The operator is currently still on track to deliver a fully electric fleet in 2034, which is in line with the Mayor of London’s plan for a zero-emission bus fleet throughout London.
In order to aid the transition, engineers are now being trained to maintain the operator’s electric fleet, with real-time charging visibility and upgraded telematics being introduced throughout First Bus London’s four operational control centres.
Bill Cahill, Managing Director at First Bus London, said:Our focus is on delivering a cleaner, more reliable service for the communities we serve – something that matters to every Londoner who relies on our bus network every day. We’re investing in our people, our infrastructure and our fleet to ensure we’re not only meeting expectations but helping raise the bar for what a modern bus service should look like in the capital.
Electrification plays a central role in that, but so does day-to-day reliability. We’re committed to doing both – reducing emissions at tailpipe while making sure our service delivers for Transport for London and its passengers.
Becoming part of First Bus opens an exciting new chapter for our operation. Our shared commitment to our people, operational excellence and sustainability provides a strong foundation for growth. With First Bus’ support, we are well-positioned to enhance our service delivery while accelerating our journey toward a zero-emission future.
