RATP Dev is delighted to announce today that it has reached an agreement with Transport for London (TfL) to convert London bus routes C1 and 70 to full electric operation by 2018.
Already operating 243 hybrid buses in London, through its subsidiaries London United, London Sovereign
and Quality Line, RATP Dev will now go further by transforming two bus lines C1 and 70 into 100% electric
operation by 2018. As an operator with the technical and commercial credibility to achieve this
transformation, TfL has welcomed this proactive approach.
A total of 36 zero-emission electric buses will equip lines C1 and 70. RATP Dev will develop the necessary
infrastructure to park and charge the electric buses at Shepherd’s Bush depot. RATP Dev aspires to convert
Shepherd’s Bush depot progressively to a fleet of all-electric vehicles, making it London’s first zero-emissions
bus depot.
Lines C1 and 70 will go through the future Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) announced by Sadiq Khan in
2016. The Mayor of London has made the improvement of air quality in the capital one of his priorities. The
ULEZ is expected to be launched in 2019 and significantly reduce emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and
particulate matter.
RATP group is already strongly committed to the transition to low emission vehicles, notably through its Bus
2025 programme. This ambitious plan will see RATP run a 100% low emission bus fleet in Paris region by
2025.
Elisabeth Borne, President and CEO of RATP group, welcomed this agreement with TfL Transport
Commissioner, Mike Brown, during a visit to London:
“RATP group is taking a clear stance as a European leader in the energy transition. In Paris, we already
operate 630 hybrid buses, 55 electric buses and 140 buses using renewable gaz. We are proud to pursue these
innovations on our London network and to be working alongside with TfL to build a more sustainable London. I am delighted at the progress made by our London business and look forward to working with Transport for
London for many years to come.”
TfL’s Managing Director, Surface Transport, Leon Daniels, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with RATP Dev to deliver greener buses for this city. They will help improve
air quality and offer a better journey experience for customers. This is a momentous time as we help deliver
the Mayor’s vision for cleaner, safer transport network.”
Tim Jackson, CEO of RATP Dev’s UK operations, remarked:
“Transport for London is a benchmark in terms of quality and innovation among international transport
authorities and remains one of our most important customers. Our strong relationship with Transport for
London and the support of our parent company have allowed us to further realize our ambition to offer an
innovative and sustainable mobility service to Londoners, as well as to the inhabitants of all the cities in
which we operate around the world.”