A British subsidiary of Australian company,Transit Systems, has won a major London transport contract which significantly is set to be operated with fully electric double decker buses.
Transport for London (TfL) has awarded Tower Transit, an associated company of the Transit Systems Group, the new contract to operate Route C3 in London in addition to retaining Route 23, with both to use electric double deckers.
As we have reported here and in Coach & Bus, Transit Systems is currently operating four electric buses in a Transport for NSW trial in Sydney.
Transit Systems Group CEO and Tower Transit Shareholder, Clint Feuerherdt said 37 new electric double decker buses would now be added to the company’s global portfolio of operations.
“It is an incredibly exciting time to work in public transport, on the cusp of such significant advancements, and we’re very proud to partner with TfL to replace all of the diesel and hybrid buses on Route 23 and C3 with fully electric buses.
“These new contracts reflect our positioning as an innovative leader in alternative energy solutions, and will make us one of Australia’s most experienced, and largest, electric bus operators” he said.
The London Mayor and TfL’s vision is to have a zero emission transport network and these latest TfL electric contracts will commence next year.
“This announcement represents our determination to be a key partner driving a relentless and rigorous approach to the research and development of sustainable transport solutions.
“Transit Systems’ electric trial in Sydney, as part of the Region 6 bus contract, is currently underway and we are really pleased with the outcomes so far, collecting valuable data and insights to continue driving innovation in this field, while Tower Transit already operates England’s largest hydrogen powered bus fleet.
“The Transport for London contracts further demonstrate our commitment and capabilities to deliver reliable, safe, convenient and sustainable public transport solutions for governments and for communities,” he said.
In Australia, Transit Systems Group operates metropolitan bus services in Perth (operating as Swan Transit), Adelaide (Torrens Transit), Sydney (Transit Systems NSW), Victoria (Sita Group) and Darwin (Territory Transit).
Together, Transit Systems and Tower Transit currently operate approximately 3,129 buses across 40 contracts in Australia, London and Singapore on behalf of governments and transport authorities. The Group carries 344 million passengers annually on its services.
It was announced on the 8th October that SeaLink Travel Group has entered into agreements to acquire Transit Systems Group, including Tower Transit. SeaLink Travel Group is an Australian ASX listed company (ASX:SLK). For more information.
