A fleet of all-electric ‘tram-buses’ will enter service in South-east London within a matter of weeks, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said. Built by Spanish firm Irizar, the new buses – called ie trams – will operate on route 358, linking Orpington with Crystal Palace.
With a sleek look resembling a tram, the buses have large windows and covered wheels, to better protect pedestrians and cyclists from being caught and dragged underneath them. The vehicles were originally meant to be on the streets last year but the date has been repeatedly pushed back. The mayor has now said they will launch later this summer, says the South London Press.
Mr Khan’s office said: “The all-electric Route 358 ieTram buses are expected to start operating in summer 2024. They will be TfL’s first end-to-end ‘Opportunity Charging’ trial, and it is important to get the hardware installed properly before the buses are introduced.”
The new buses will be able to recharge in less than 10 minutes and will have smaller batteries, reducing the weight being driven each day.
The Irizar ie tram is an articulated 18 metre bus with the aesthetic attributes of a tram. It was developed based on the idea that the design participates in the attractiveness of the service and in the development of comfort for the citizen.
The combination of flexibility regarding the mobility of an urban bus and the large capacity, easy access and interior spatial organization of a tram, with zero emissions, define the DNA of this new vehicle, says Irizar.
“The ie tram offers a design that starts from a minimalist aesthetic language, without ornaments, with all of its features responding to specific functional aspects allowing it to create an identity and an image that are easily recognisable to its users. One of the most significant features of its design is the chrome edging that flows around the body of the vehicle. It makes for immediate identification and creates an appearance that is different to other similar vehicles. This edging is an identifying feature associated with the brand.
“The chrome edging runs around the large glass surface of the sides, which becomes a canvas on which the environment through which the vehicle travels is reflected. The front of the vehicle reflects fluidity and style and with a large glazed surface it evokes the heritage of the tram, which together with the full led optics integrated in the edging rings, creates a composite appearance that is avant-garde but technological and rational at the same time. The rear section, breaking away from the cubism of the bus, is our big aesthetic commitment. Care has been taken with the most minor details to achieve the aesthetics of the tram, for example the hubcaps, as well as the wing mirrors, have been replaced by cameras that project their images onto two displays located in the interior of the vehicle either side of the driver. The innovative, inspiring design of the Irizar ie tram breaks with the classic transport codes and enhances the charm of the city by reflecting urban cultural diversity.”
