Route 358 – Pioneering pantograph technology in London  

In a groundbreaking project, Go-Ahead London (GAL) introduced innovative pantograph charging technology on Route 358, one of London’s longest bus routes. Spanning 15 miles between Crystal Palace and Orpington, this zero-emission initiative demonstrates a creative and industry-leading approach to sustainable transport solutions.

A need for alternative zero-emission technologies 

Operating a long urban route like the 15-mile Route 358 presented unique challenges for traditional overnight-charge electric buses. While these buses can achieve a daily range of up to 200 miles, their design relies on returning to the garage for recharging. This requirement would have necessitated a larger fleet size to accommodate Route 358’s high-frequency schedule, increasing operational costs and complexity.

To address this, Transport for London (TfL) tasked Go-Ahead London with exploring alternative solutions. The answer was to implement rapid pantograph charging, a system that allows buses to quickly recharge during the day without range limitations. This approach, inspired by European best practices, optimised fleet size while ensuring seamless operation along the route.

Delivering the project

Core project requirements included:

• The design and installation of pantograph infrastructure on leased bus stands shared with multiple operators.

• Providing power supply and managing the installation on behalf of TfL.

• Deploying Irizar ie tram buses – fully electric buses designed by the Spanish manufacturer Irizar which combine the appearance and comfort of a tram with the flexibility of a bus. These buses come with enhanced safety features and passenger comforts.

• Partnering with TfL to install rapid-charging pantographs, enabling buses to recharge in just six minutes at either end of the route.

• Coordinating with stakeholders, including Bromley Council, TfL, Network Rail, and Uk Power Networks (UKPN), to address land rights and ensure infrastructure compatibility.

Measuring success: enhanced sustainability and a better customer experience

The new fleet provides enhanced safety for road users, including speed-limiting technology, pedestrian alerts, and improved driver visibility with camera monitoring.

For customers, USB charging ports, slip-resistant flooring, and ergonomic seating make for a more comfortable journey.

“The launch of Route 358 and our expansion of pantograph technology mark significant strides in our journey towards a zero-emission future. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities.” Tom Joyner, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London

The success of Route 358 underscores the viability of pantograph technology for high-frequency urban routes, setting a standard for broader adoption across London and beyond. As we continue our mission to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, this project serves as a model for innovative, sustainable, and operationally efficient public transport solutions.