Tootbus engages Magtec to repower 15 open top buses in London

Tootbus has engaged drive systems specialist Magtec to repower a fleet of 15 open top double-decker buses for its sightseeing services in central London.

Tootbus (RATP Group) aims to have a fully electric fleet by 2030 in line with the Mayor of London’s net zero ambitions for the capital.

Tootbus open top buses for London get repower

Under a “multi-million-pound agreement” (amount not specified, Magtec will equip the 23-tonne triaxle buses with high-tech electric drive trains including 280 kWh battery system.

Each vehicle will be operating hop-on, hop-off routes past world-famous landmarks and covering more than 70 miles per day in and around Westminster.

Magtec highlights that it has previously supplied an electric drive system for one of Tootbus’ smaller vehicles, an 18-tonne dual axle bus.

Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Tootbus to support its drive to green services and provide an even bigger ‘wow factor’ for its customers. As a UK company, we are proud to be flying the flag for UK manufacturing and helping to improve air quality in the heart of our capital city

Gavin Brooking, managing director of Tootbus UK, said: “This agreement enables us to continue to deliver on our commitment to a truly sustainable service. We are the first clean energy sightseeing bus company, and remain driven to push the boundaries of green tourism at an accelerated rate – indeed our recent Sustainable Tourism Barometer showed that operators need to make it easier for consumers to adopt greener options. Magtec’s market-leading battery technology will underpin these efforts.”