Kortrijk is one of the first cities to use the latest generation of e-buses.
De Lijn, the Flemish transport company, has started to introduce emission-free public transport in the Kortrijk region. Since Monday, travelers can use the first three electric buses, and another 13 e-buses will be added in the coming weeks. With these state-of-the-art e-buses of the latest generation, De Lijn aims to encourage more people to choose public transport, which will mean fewer cars on the road and lower emissions.
“The journeys offered from the depot therefore correspond particularly well with the possibilities of the e-buses,” says Ann Schoubs, director general of De Lijn. “That means that with the 16 e-buses we can take as many old and polluting EUR3 diesel buses out of service.” The new e-buses will be used on all lines that are served from the depot.
The e-buses offer numerous benefits, including extra-wide information screens with up-to-date travel information and stop announcements, an electric ramp for wheelchair users, USB charging points for mobile phones and smartphones, an attractive wood-look floor covering, seats upholstered in recycled leather , pleasant LED interior lighting, improved climate control, comfortable suspension and much more. In addition, because they are fully electrically powered, these buses are much quieter and vibration-free.
“With these e-buses, De Lijn is investing in a strongly improved on-board experience in order to attract more travelers to public transport, the greening has really started,” says Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters. “Flanders, together with De Lijn, is fully committed to sustainability and the greening of the vehicle fleet. A clear ambition for healthier air and to actually tackle the climate challenges.”
Much attention has also been paid to the safety of passengers, bystanders and drivers. The e-buses are equipped with a wide range of safety features, such as cameras instead of side and rear-view mirrors, anti-slip and collision prevention systems, various detection systems and a tram bell to warn pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, the driver can sufficiently close his driver's cabin to prevent possible aggression.
De Lijn is the Flemish government company that provides public transport by bus and tram in Flanders. Approximately 3,5 million people use De Lijn's services one or more times a year.
For its operation, the transport company receives a grant from the Flemish Region, the main shareholder. Ticket sales are the second source of income.
The De Lijn network has approximately 1 lines and 000 stops. All in all, the buses and trams make approximately 36 million journeys per year. Its own fleet consists of 000 11 buses and 2 trams. The private companies that run on behalf of De Lijn also have their own buses. They account for half of the bus kilometres.
With almost 8 employees, De Lijn is one of the largest employers in the country. The private operators also employ more than 000 people.
As the main shareholder of shared bicycles, Blue-bike promotes and supports combimobility. Travelers can combine a bus or tram ride with a shared bicycle for the last part of their journey.
