New Abellio London Bus MD targets electric bus growth in 2022
The new Managing Director of Abellio London Bus is targeting further electrification of more routes during 2022.
Jon Eardley (pictured) has succeeded Tony Wilson, who has retired. Prior to his appointment, Jon was engineering director of Abellio UK Bus, covering Abellio London, a position he held for five years.
Jon’s career in the bus industry spans a number of operators across the country, with engineering stints in Staffordshire, Eastern Counties, Aberdeen, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, at both operational and managerial level.
“My ambition is for Abellio London to continue to lead the way in terms of innovative delivery on safe, reliable, green bus transportation that is fit for the future,” he says.
“As a key partner in the greatest transportation system in the world, we will play our part in TfL’s vision for a ‘strong green heartbeat for London’”.
During 2021, Abellio London Bus started running its first double deck zero emission electric vehicles, adding to the 34 single decks it was already running. It also received confirmation of future contract awards which will move the business to a point where five of its six operating depots will be running electric bus routes during 2022.
The company celebrated running its first million electric miles during 2021, as well as operating two free electric buses on its Glasgow station link service during the COP26 summit.
“In 2022 we can look forward to the electrification of four more routes across multiple depots in London,” says Jon. “In addition, the completion of our brand-new depot in Dawley Road in Hayes will see 12 state-of-the-art electric buses running, bringing benefits to local communities, customers and staff alike.
“These exciting developments will allow us to continue to lead the way among our peers in cleaning up London’s air to meet Transport for London’s aspiration for the bus fleet to be zero emission by 2034.
Image courtesy of Abellio London Bus.
