Abellio London launches new depot to power EV routes in West London

Credit: Abellio London Bus

On 11 July 2022, bus operator Abellio London Bus has announced that it has opened the doors to its brand new depot for West London in Hayes. The new depot at Dawley Road in Hayes replaces the company’s North Hyde Gardens site.

This is Abellio’s first fully owned bus depot in London and is a purpose built operating centre that houses up to 56 buses. Routes 278, 350, 482, U5, U7 and U9 will operate from here, serving customers across West London. The depot sits on a completely new site and was constructed during lockdown, with planning permission granted in March 2021 and ground being broken in August 2021.

Designed as a dedicated operating centre, the depot’s building features a living roof and nesting boxes alongside an energy efficiency rating of B. Maintenance, driver training and driver theory testing will take place at an additional new facility in Waterway Park 0.5 miles away.

Hayes goes into operation with full EV capacity and highlights Abellio London Bus’ continued investment into world-leading electric technology and infrastructure. In the last year, Abellio has introduced 41 electric buses across its London fleet, adding to the 34 already in service. By the end of 2022, the business will have 125 fully electric buses in service.

The Hayes depot will be the home of new state-of-the-art EV buses operating on route U5. These buses, manufactured by Alexander Dennis, have a range of innovative and modern features – including a more open feel, USB chargers and mobile phone holders in the seats, a contrasting colour scheme for priority seats, a larger wheelchair and buggy area, and new digital information displays to improve accessibility.

Delivering a zero-emission bus fleet for London

The depot’s charging infrastructure is both fast and smart, leveraging technology to maximise efficiency such as charging at off-peak times. 

Louise Cheeseman, Director of Bus at Transport for London (TfL), said, “The opening of Abellio’s new Hayes depot is another exciting step in London’s journey towards a zero-emission bus fleet, with the depot’s EV charging infrastructure modernising the industry, bringing fresh skills and a new generation of engineers and drivers. This will see us add to the more than 850 zero-emission buses already on our city’s roads. These cleaner, greener buses, including the state-of-the-art models now operating on route U5, are part of the Mayor’s drive to clean up our air, reduce the effects of climate change by bringing down carbon emissions and cut congestion on our roads.”

Lorna Murphy, Director of Operations at Abellio London Bus, said: “The opening of our Hayes depot marks a leap forward for Abellio London Bus. This depot allows us to provide more accessible and comfortable electric journeys for our customers in West London, whilst working with TfL to decarbonise and support climate resilience as we lead the way toward a zero emission fleet.”

In the last year, Abellio London Buses have clocked up over 2 million EV miles. The opening of the Hayes depot will support the business to continue providing customers with more comfortable journeys that actively contribute to making London’s streets cleaner and greener for all.