Arriva keeps Route 102/N102 in North London, 26 electric buses to enter service

Arriva UK Bus will deploy 26 new electric buses on Route 102/N102 in North London after retaining the service under a new seven-year Transport for London contract starting in November 2026.

The contract award confirms Arriva UK Bus as the operator of one of North London’s long-standing orbital routes, running between Edmonton Green and Brent Cross. According to Arriva, the route accounts for more than 6.2 million passenger journeys per year and operates on a 24-hour basis.

Arriva and the electrification of London bus fleet

The fleet renewal forms part of Arriva’s wider London electrification programme, valued by the company at £730 million. Arriva reports that more than 290 zero-emission buses are currently in service across the capital, including 140 electric vehicles introduced over the past year. Half of Arriva London’s 14 garages are now equipped to support zero-emission fleets, with the operator stating that it is on track to exceed 500 electric buses in London by the end of 2026.

In November 2023 Arriva won two new contracts in London and prepared to procure 87 new e-buses. In late 2024 Arriva announced electrification of its third London bus depot (Thornton Heath site) in order to deploy 109 zero-emission vehicles from spring 2025. As of mid 2025, the group completed a £17m electrification project at Norwood Depot in South London.

Arriva retains North London Route 102/N102 contract scope

Route 102/N102 will continue to be operated from Arriva’s Palmers Green garage, where the service has been based continuously since 1947. Arriva reports that around 300 staff are currently involved in supporting operations from the depot. The route provides a direct connection across outer North London, linking residential districts with commercial and retail areas, while maintaining a continuous day-and-night service pattern.

The tender outcome secures Arriva North London’s operation of the route until 2033, with no changes announced to its routing or operating hours. The company credits the result to its established operating base and its working relationship with Transport for London, as stated in the Arriva press note.

Under the terms of the new contract, 26 zero-emission electric buses will be introduced to the Route 102/N102 fleet. These vehicles will operate from Palmers Green garage following completion of the site’s electrification programme. Arriva confirms that the arrival of the new buses is aligned with the start of the contract period in November 2026.

Mark Griffin, Area Director, Arriva UK Bus, London, said: “Retaining Route 102/N102 is a fantastic result and underlines the confidence placed in our teams to deliver reliable, high-quality services for Londoners. 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.”