WNV-Systems designs, develops and installs Drive-Through Bus Washes and Automatic Under Chassis Wash system for six of Arriva London’s bus depots

Arriva London, one of the capital’s largest bus operators, plays a central role in delivering high-frequency, reliable services across the Transport for London network. With a fleet of more than 1,500 vehicles operating from 14 depots, the company has evolved from historic operators like Grey-Green and Leaside Buses into a modern provider of diesel, hybrid and electric routes. Its long-standing presence, operational scale and commitment to innovation make Arriva London a strong example of how legacy transport organisations can adapt to meet the demands of a growing, sustainability‑focused city.

Arriva London had been purchasing bus top-washes from several different suppliers, each performing poorly with frequent down-time. The large installations took up valuable parking spaces, were more expensive, performed poorly and were costly to repair.

Due to WNV Systems’ vast experience with other bus operators in London, Arriva approached the Horsham-based business to supply an automatic drive-through bush wash and an under-chassis wash system. A tailored solution that covered Arriva’s needs, whilst also negating the previous systems, was settled on.

Arriva London prides itself on its presentation. It’s not just the cleanliness of the vehicles that matter, but also the maintenance routines that ensure the longevity of the buses, too.

Having a reliable, effective vehicle wash system was a key requirement. On top of that, it was imperative that the system they chose was environmentally friendly.

Not only did WNV meet cost requirements, but the manufacturer also offered aftersales support, maintenance routines and warranty packages, all vital components for Arriva.

The requirement was to replace several wash systems throughout the organisation and to integrate with an automatic under-chassis wash system which had previously been installed.

WNV’s wash system needed to clean all four sides of a bus to a high standard in an average of 60 seconds, work constantly and consistently over long periods of time with no reliability issues and be safe and easy to operate, whilst needing to fit on as small a footprint as possible.

Added to that, the system needs to reduce Arriva’s current water use, contain lighting, screening and CCTV and cope with the day-to-day operation of a busy bus depot.

Site surveys and installation schedules took place, with WNV providing full programme plans and RAMS.

Each bus wash system was to be installed alongside a new full water reclamation unit, with WNV also tasked with removing and responsibly disposing of any of the old wash systems that were installed.

Once the systems were installed, commissioned and tested, a full training programme was offered to internal and outsourced shunters, ensuring that every site is fully aware of the best practice to operate the system.

The systems proved easy to operate, with a wash cycle kicking in automatically as the bus driver approaches the wash system and a indicational light shines.

Although the cleaning time is driver-dependent, this particular WNV system will clean a bus to a very high standard in around 60 seconds.

The water reclamation systems recycle up to 90% of the water used, saving money as well as being kinder to the planet.

Since the installations, the was equipment has proved extremely successful as has fully met and exceeded Arriva London’s requirements.

To find out how WNV Systems can help you save money, improve reliability and be more sustainable with vehicle washing, visit www.wnv-systems.com, email sales@wnv-systems.com or call 020 8641 5601 to speak to one of our experts.