The Go-Ahead Group
“ Our expertise lies in high-density urban transport ,” states Martin Dean , Bus Division Managing Director . “ We excel in the operation of really busy , complex bus and rail routes that carry large numbers of people every day , or in layman ’ s terms : commuter networks . We utilize a devolved management model , which means our local teams and managers are entrusted with decision making and communications with internal stakeholders and external customers . In terms of bus operations , local is the way to be . Our position as an environmental leader in the industry is our key USP . We are the UK ’ s largest operator of zero-emission buses and have outlined a plan to be carbon-free by 2035 .”
Up and running
The organization has ordered 20 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles , manufactured by Wright Bus , which were forecast to be on the road in
Spring 2023 . The introduction of the singledeck , GB Kite Hydroliner fleet is the first in a long line of potential investments , with a second tranche of 34 in mind for Go-Ahead ’ s Crawley , Gatwick Airport and East Surrey Fastway network . As Martin explains : “ This is a network of guided busways designed to speed public transport past congestion hot spots . We have run it for a number of years , in partnership with West Sussex Council , Surrey County Council and Gatwick Airport .
“ The use of hydrogen cell based alternatives is key to meeting the requirements of the 24-hour , seven-days-a-week route . However , the vehicles are clocking up almost 320 miles a day , so we need something with the same capability as a diesel engine but with the added environmental benefits of an electric vehicle . We are really excited to get them on the road to see how well they could potentially operate on regular services as well . tlimagazine . com 55