Blogs

Leading Bus operator Metroline has launched its first electric bus outside of London today. The new zero emission single-deck bus on the Route PB1 has entered into service, operating from Metroline’s Potters Bar Bus Garage, and will play a key role in the county’s drive towards a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire.

Earlier this year, Metroline was able to support the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme, a cornerstone of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs. Thirty new paid 6-month job placements were created at our London bus garages to provide opportunities for young people who are most at risk of long-term unemployment brought about by the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Metroline is pleased to be able to support the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme, a cornerstone of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs. Here are some of the young people who have already joined Metroline as part of the scheme: 

• Sadiq launches the first double-decker hydrogen bus fleet in England
• These 20 new hydrogen fuel cell double decker buses which will reduce TfL’s carbon footprint and further reduce harmful emissions to help ensure Londoners breathe cleaner air.
• The hydrogen buses join a fleet of over 500 electric buses – one of the largest fleets in Western Europe. The aim is to make all London buses zero emission by 2030.

We are continuing to keep our employees and customers safe with extensive cleaning on our buses. Watch the video below to see how we are working closely with our cleaning partners at Sasse Group and Cordant Group PLC to ensure our buses are fully sanitised every day for service.

Whilst on duty on Thursday 6th August, a customer took ill on Route 190 Driver Ayisha's bus. Ayisha's quick response saved a life and has made all at Metroline proud.

Watch her story below:

Metroline is proud to have gifted £100,000 of its unused apprenticeship levy towards apprenticeships and training within the Automotive and Electrical sector, to be delivered by Total People.

Gifting surplus levy allows large employers like Metroline to sponsor an apprenticeship in their chosen sector or industry, while at the same time supporting employment and skills development in SME businesses who benefit from fully funded apprenticeship training.

• Metroline set to pilot Vehicle Avoidance Lateral Lights (VALLs) on 24 buses.
• Pioneering VALLs system creates illuminated footprint around vehicle which can improve safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and people with hearing impairments.
• Partnership between Metroline and JBDL is supported by the TfL Bus Safety Innovation Challenge

This week saw Holloway Garage host a special delegation from the Government of India's Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, facilitated by Transport for London. The delegates alongside some representatives of TfL were given a presentation on Metroline’s operations in London, highlighting the successes and challenges of operating in the city. The delegation also received a tour around the century-old garage, and were deeply interested in the efficiency of Metroline’s electric bus operation.