UK Power Networks kicks off greener travel
Preparations for the electrification of hundreds of buses at Tower Transit’s Lea Interchange have kicked off as part of the UK’s biggest green recovery programme.
UK Power Networks is investing £66 million into over 86 sites, to deliver electricity connections for low carbon energy projects that will help achieve the government’s Ten Point Plan towards net zero by 2050, and Lea Interchange is one of several sites to benefit.
Tower Transit currently operates 240 buses from in the site in Temple Mills Lane, providing more than 22.5 million customer journeys each year across East London boroughs including Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Over the coming years diesel and hybrid buses will be upgraded to electric models to help enable the transition to net zero.
Mark Adolphus, Director of Connections at UK Power Networks, says, “We are working with our regulator Ofgem, local and central government, charging point operators, customers and other interested parties to help ensure that the transition to net zero happens as quickly as possible, and that everyone has access to the charging infrastructure they need.”
The investment will increase power capacity at the bus garage, significantly reducing the cost of connecting EV chargers in future and Mark adds, “This investment is going to allow electric buses to charge, contributing to improved air quality and helping to reduce carbon emissions within our regions, as well as benefitting the area by promoting jobs and economic recovery.”
Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director at Tower Transit, says, “We are pleased to work together with UK Power Networks. Their experience and advice is helping us to begin the electrification of the Lea Interchange garage as we continue to introduce zero emission buses across London and support TfL to keep improving the air quality in the city.”
Louise Cheeseman, Director of Bus at TfL, adds, “These works at Lea Interchange 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.”
