TfL ‘Future Bus’ on Abellio London Bus Route 63

The Transport for London (TfL) ‘Future Bus’ is an ongoing project to look at how new technology can help to improve journeys and reduce impact on the environment as part of TfL’s commitment to bus services. London Buses Route 63 operated by Abellio London has renewed its fleet to the BYD ADL Enviro400EV, and is the first bus route to operate the new TfL ‘Future Bus’.

Abellio London Bus Route 63 is a trunk bus route plying a north-south route between Honor Oak (Therapia Road) and King’s Cross. However, as the terminal bus stop at Honor Oak (Therapia Road) was a bit far from the nearest railway station at Honor Oak Park, I decided to board from Peckham Rye instead of going for the full route.

My wait for Abellio London Bus Route 63 did not take long, with an average frequency of 7 to 10 minutes at most times of the day.

BYD ADL Enviro400EV TfL ‘Future Bus’

With a full fleet of BYD ADL Enviro400EV buses, there was no need to wait for the right bus model to joyride. The BYD ADL Enviro400EV is the showcase TfL ‘Future Bus’ by BYD and Alexander Dennis which is double deck, full electric, and produces zero emissions.

The interior of the BYD ADL Enviro400EV lower deck.

The interior of the BYD ADL Enviro400EV upper deck where I sat for this joyride.

The BYD ADL Enviro400EV features a skylight by the steps up from the lower deck.

When taking a seat, you can see much more features on the seat back for a comfortable journey.

A USB charging socket is available at every seat, and the bus stopping button is available on every aisle seat.

The legroom available on the BYD ADL Enviro400EV.

A phone holder flips out from above the USB charging socket and bus stopping button, allowing you to use your phone as entertainment on the bus ride.

The new digital passenger information signs on board provide a wider range of live information, including the time to the next stop, disruptions, and service updates for train services.

Making a brief stop at Elephant & Castle Railway Station. Abellio London Bus Route 63 serves connecting rail stations such as:

• Peckham Rye Railway Station
• Elephant & Castle Railway & Underground Station
• Southwark Underground Station
• Blackfriars Railway & Underground Station
• City Thameslink Railway Station
• Farringdon Railway & Underground Station
• King’s Cross Railway & Underground Station

Connections to rail services are prioritised for information and the travel time to the next connecting rail station is shown on top of travel times to next bus stops.

Passing by Elephant & Castle Underground Station.

Passing by Blackfriars Railway Station above the River Thames.

Passing over the River Thames.

On the last leg to King’s Cross, I headed down to the lower deck to experience the BYD ADL Enviro400EV ride. The rear was rather quiet as the BYD ADL Enviro400EV is an electric bus after all.

The wheelchair and buggy space on board the BYD ADL Enviro400EV by the rear door.

Alighting from the Abellio London Bus Route 63 at the side of London King’s Cross Railway Station. The journey from Peckham Rye to King’s Cross took me 1 hour and 4 minutes.

The wheelchair ramp is at the rear door.

This alighting bus stop is not the same as the origin bus stop, which is in front of the façade of London King’s Cross Railway Station.

The façade of London King’s Cross Railway Station.

London King’s Cross Railway Station is located just beside London St Pancras Railway Station, and can be easily accessed by crossing a small street.

Conclusion

The BYD ADL Enviro400EV on Abellio London Bus Route 63 was a good bus ride with modern frills installed for easy and comfortable travel. Hopefully, there will be more budget to roll out the TfL ‘Future Bus’ to even more bus routes in future.

Seb Dance, deputy mayor for transport, said: “The reality is that without a long-term funding deal, innovation like this on our buses and across the capital’s entire transport network is at risk of stalling, disrupting services, putting jobs at risk and stifling the economic recovery of London and the country.”