Double-decker: the first of the new, electric buses made in China began operating through Croydon this week on the SL5 Superlool route. Pic: Graham Lambourne
The SL5, one of three Superloop buses that run through Croydon, now has shiny, new electric-powered double-deckers plying the route from the town centre to Bromley.
The new buses began operation this week, part of a phased replacement of the often overcrowded single-decker Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Darts.
Welcome change: the double-deckers ought to relieve passenger congestion on the SL5
The new buses are made in China by Build Your Dreams Auto.
These BYD BD11 models have already been introduced on London routes 320, 101, 473 and 321.
The SL5 route runs from Bromley North via Bromley South, Bethlem Royal Hospital and Shirley to Croydon, operated by Arriva London.
Other Croydon routes are expected to receive new, electric vehicles soon, though TfL has yet to confirm which, or when.
Read more: SuperLoop route to Heathrow will continue to serve Croydon
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Obviously we don’t make electric buses in Britain so have to import them all the way from China!
Actually, we DO make electric buses in the UK. Manufacturers include – Alexander Dennis (ADL) and Wrightbus, which already run in London.
Then there is the super high-tech Boris Bus that runs on fresh, sorry, hot air.
We were stuck behind a broken down Superloop bus today. Don’t think it was electric.