The Forza fraction! wants text and explanation from the chairman of the Transport Regional Council Sharon Dijksma about countless problems with the new electric buses from Connexxion. During last Tuesday's meeting of the Transport Regional Council in Amsterdam, Forza! councilor Michel van Dijk (who together with 5 other councilors Haarlemmermeer represents) the numerous concerns addressed, said the Westerpost.

For example, the electric buses only have a range of 72 kilometers. Rides therefore have to be shortened or cannot be extended despite previous promises, such as bus 397 to Lisse. Lines, such as the 300, need to be 'cut up', which means travelers have to switch more often. Buses have to be shortened, so that not everyone can count on a seat. All these measures are also included in Connexxion's Amstelland-Meerlanden 2020 transport plan, which also includes Haarlemmermeer.

Forza's concerns! are also voiced by the Travelers Advisory Council (RAR), which strongly criticizes the use of electric buses by Connexxion. She says that it is nice that Connexxion wants to save the polar bear, but that making public transport in the Amsterdam region more sustainable produces unexpected and unpleasant side effects such as buses that are too cold and half a charging station can fail. bus fleet come to rest. 

Just like Forza! urges the RAR to first gain more experience with electric buses before ordering more and also waiting for the battery technology to progress further.

Councilor Michel van Dijk: 

“The Transport Region wants to be at the forefront of making public transport more sustainable. That is a nice goal in itself, but the current generation of electric buses are still far too limited and cause too many logistical problems. It is better to wait a few years before purchasing new buses, because by then the buses will have a lot of battery capacity. In addition, an electric bus now costs twice as much as a regular bus. I warn the board of the transport region against the law on the braking edge. In five years' time, we will be dealing with buses that cost a lot and can do little, while the rest of the Netherlands will purchase buses that solve the teething troubles. ”

The chairman of the transport region will come with a written response, but already indicated that it is not all that bad with the concerns raised by the RAR and Forza! have been expressed.

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