The Anonymous Widower

Has Aldgate Bus Station Been Fitted With Opportunity Charging?

In Hackney Downs Station To Aldgate By Volvo Electric Bus, I described my second ride in a Volvo BZL electric bus.

When I arrived at Aldgate bus station, I asked the driver, if he would be charging the bus. He answered in the affirmative.

I then took these pictures.

Note.

1. Some of the buses were backed into parking spaces, with their back wheels up against one of two raised strips.
2. The 242 bus I’d arrived on parked that way.
3. A couple of New Routemasters were also parked each side of it.
4. The 242 bus, I’d arrived on appeared to shut off all power for a few minutes. Was it charging at that time?

This Google Map shows the layout of the bus station.

Note.

1. Ignore the yellow line, as it just the route of the Circle Line, which runs underneath.
2. The strips are clearly visible.
3. It looks there are about ten of them.
4. Click on the map to show it to a larger scale.

I suspect some form of contactless charging could be used, as some people do with their mobile phone.

Power for the charging could even be taken from the Circle Line.

August 16, 2025 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Aldgate Bus Station, Battery-Electric Buses, Circle Line, Contactless Bus Charging, London Bus 242, Opportunity Charging, Volvo BZL Bettery-Electric Bus