A further 33 ticket machines in London run on batteries, which do not provide enough power to support conventional lighting. Due to the lower power requirements of LED lighting, these machines will be lit for the first time.
TfL says that despite using less power, LEDs are much brighter than conventional lighting, making the machines easier to use. The LEDs also last a lot longer, ten years on average compared to just two years for conventional fluorescent tubes, meaning lower maintenance and disposal costs.
London Buses already uses LED lighting at 3,500 solar powered bus stops and 640 passenger shelters.
Paul London, London Buses Ticket Technology Manager, said: “We’re always looking for ways in which new technology can help us decrease our impact on the environment, improve our passengers’ experience, and provide value for money. Introducing LEDs on ticket machines is a small change that’s part of a much bigger effort to make our operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.”
Roadside ticket machines are used in the central London "Pay Before You Board" area, on bendy bus routes outside this area and at other busy locations around London.