Flemish public transport operator De Lijn will be ordering several articulated electric buses from Spanish bus manufacturer Irizar. The modern, futuristic buses prides themselves on passenger comfort.
De Lijn confirmed on Monday that it has signed a framework agreement with Irizar which will allow the Flemish company to order up to 100 'harmonica' electric buses (longer buses with a bendy middle section). The Spanish manufacturer, whose e-buses are already operating in the Spanish city of Barcelona, the French city of Amiens and the Swiss city of Schaffhausen, won the tender for a framework agreement.
"These e-buses for high-quality public transport will initially be deployed on several lines in Limburg," De Lijn noted in a statement. The plan is to deploy them initially on the Hasselt-Maasmechelen and Hasselt-Maastricht lines – longer lines in an area where there is no train supply.
"These buses are a good solution to deal with the underdevelopment of the rail network in Limburg," said Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters.
An illustration of a De Lijn Irizar e-bus. Credit: De Lijn
Elements that add to high comfort include USB charging points, mobile phone holders and reading lights for passengers. The seats also have higher backrests, and the lower and additional glass windows ensure that more natural light can enter the buses.
When the futuristic buses will be ordered depends on the next Flemish Mobility Minister, De Lijn noted. It will involve an investment of €117 million for the company.
De Lijn announced the electrification of its bus fleet almost three years ago, but it is a very slow process. Out of a fleet of 2,200 buses, barely 80 electric ones are currently operational. Next year, another 220 should be added, but these are 'ordinary' buses for city and regional transport.
