Arriva retains North London route with electric buses
Arriva UK Bus has successfully retained the North London bus route 102/N102 following a competitive tender process with Transport for London. The new contract will see Arriva continue operating the service for a further seven years from November 2026, maintaining a long-standing partnership on a route that plays a key role in the capital’s outer orbital bus network.
A central element of the new contract is the deployment of 26 new zero-emission electric buses. The vehicles will replace existing diesel buses on the route and will enter service once the electrification programme at the Palmers Green depot has been completed. Arriva says the new fleet will deliver quieter operation and reduced local emissions, in line with London’s wider transport decarbonisation goals.
The introduction of electric buses on the 102/N102 forms part of Arriva’s wider £730 million investment programme to electrify its London bus operations. More than 290 battery-electric buses are already in service across the capital, including 140 vehicles introduced within the past year. Arriva expects to have more than 500 electric buses operating in London by the end of 2026, supported by continued upgrades to depot infrastructure. At present, seven of Arriva London’s 14 garages are equipped to support zero-emission fleets.
“Retaining Route 102/N102 is a fantastic result and underlines the confidence placed in our teams to deliver reliable, high-quality services for Londoners” said Mark Griffin, Area Director at Arriva UK Bus London. “This route is a vital orbital link for North London, and we’re proud it will continue to be based at our Palmers Green garage, where it has operated for nearly 80 years.”
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