The Dutch transport company Arriva has placed an important order with the bus manufacturer VDL for the delivery of 157 electric buses.
These buses are intended for the West Brabant region and form an essential part of the public transport that Arriva will provide from July 2025. This is the second largest order that VDL has ever received for its Citea buses, a milestone that offers the bus manufacturer new opportunities, despite the ongoing challenges in the sector.
The VDL factory in Roeselare, Belgium, plays a crucial role in the production of these buses. Although it is not yet entirely clear how many of the 157 buses will be built in the West Flemish site, it is certain that part of the production will take place there. For the factory in Roeselare, which has been hit hard by the corona crisis, this order is a welcome development. However, the extra work will not lead to new jobs, VDL reports. This is because the bus sector is still struggling with the consequences of the pandemic and the declining turnover of recent years.
innovation
The new electric buses are not just any vehicles. They are equipped with innovative technologies and meet the highest requirements in terms of sustainability and safety. For example, the buses will be completely emission-free, which fits in perfectly with the zero-emission objectives of both Arriva and VDL. In addition, the buses will be equipped with camera monitoring systems, replacing the traditional mirrors, and have charging connections on both the left and right sides. This makes charging more flexible and efficient.
Safety is also an important point in the design of this new generation of buses. Each bus will be equipped with an electric wheelchair ramp, making it easier for passengers with disabilities to get on and off. In addition, there will be AED devices (Automatic External Defibrillators) on board, which allow for a rapid response in emergencies. These measures underline Arriva and VDL's commitment to ensuring both the comfort and safety of passengers.
cooperation
Arriva’s order is a clear indication of the trust the transport company has in VDL and their shared vision for sustainable public transport. Both companies have a long history of working together and have successfully completed several projects in recent years. “This order is a confirmation of our strong partnership and our shared goal to make public transport greener and more efficient,” said a VDL spokesperson. Over the years, Arriva and VDL have worked together to contribute to the realization of the European emission targets, and this new order is a logical continuation of that mission.
VDL can be proud of this order, which not only has a positive effect on production in both the Netherlands and Belgium, but also shows that despite the challenges in the bus sector, there is still room for growth and innovation. The future of public transport is becoming increasingly greener and VDL and Arriva are ready to lead that change.
However, VDL Bus & Coach, a division of the VDL Groep, has been through difficult times. Last year, the company saw its turnover fall by 33 percent, partly due to fierce competition from Chinese bus manufacturers who are increasingly gaining market share in Europe. This new order therefore gives VDL a much-needed boost to reposition itself on the international market. Although the production of electric buses is becoming increasingly important, competition remains intense, especially now that European cities are increasingly placing emphasis on environmentally friendly transport.
The first deliveries of the buses are expected to take place in the first half of 2025. This schedule is crucial, because Arriva will be responsible for the new concession in West Brabant from July 2025. With the addition of these buses to their fleet, Arriva can not only meet the stricter environmental requirements, but also offer its passengers a modern and safe means of transport. The transport company has indicated that this project is an important step in the further greening of its services in the Netherlands.
VDL Bus Roeselare is a bus factory in Beveren near Roeselare, Belgium, and is part of VDL Bus & Coach. The company was called Jonckheere between 1881 and 1994. In 1994, the company was acquired by the Berkhof Group and has continued as VDL Jonckheere Bus & Coach NV since 1998.
