Arriva has taken an impressive new step towards making public transport in the Netherlands more sustainable by placing an order for no fewer than 157 new electric buses with VDL Bus & Coach.
These vehicles are intended for the West Brabant concession, which will start on 6 July 2025. This order is an important pillar in the efforts of Arriva and the province of Noord-Brabant to achieve fully CO2-neutral public transport in the region by 2027. order includes 58 Citea buses of the LE-122 type and 99 units of the LE-135 type.
These buses will be delivered from the first half of 2025 and will be used for public transport in West Brabant. However, this is not the first major order for Arriva. The transport company previously purchased 64 electric buses from VDL for transport in East Brabant. These buses will soon be used in the city of Tilburg and on high-quality bus lines between Uden, Veghel, Eindhoven and Den Bosch.
Citea buses
Arriva’s new generation of Citea buses are equipped with the latest technological gadgets. The 58 LE-122 models will be equipped with a 429 kWh traction battery, while the 99 LE-135 buses will be equipped with a 368 kWh battery. Both bus models are completely emission-free and have charging facilities via CCS Combo 2 connections on both the left and right sides of the vehicles. This ensures maximum flexibility when charging at different depot locations.
It is striking that these buses no longer use conventional side mirrors, but are equipped with camera surveillance systems. This increases safety and gives the driver a better view around the vehicle. In addition, the buses are equipped with an innovative climate control system, which ensures pleasant temperature regulation, and an ergonomic driver's cabin. The electrically adjustable and ventilated driver's seat with memory function is just one of the many details that improve comfort for the driver. Extra luxury has also been provided for the passengers: the buses are equipped with comfortable seats with extra thick cushions and a predominantly forward-facing layout for optimum comfort.
Bravo branding
What stands out about these new buses is the use of the striking Bravo house style. Not only is the exterior of the buses dressed in the familiar red, purple and blue colours of Bravo, but the interior also breathes the brand identity. The seat cushions, armrests and even the floor are provided with the recognisable Bravo colours. The characteristic Bravo heart is prominently present in the design of the bus, which ensures a contemporary and recognisable look.
It is striking that the new buses not only follow the Bravo formula, but also the Bravodirect product line. Both have their own unique features and color schemes, which gives a distinctive character to the bus transport in the region.
In addition to comfort and design, safety is central to the new generation of buses. All vehicles are equipped with numerous safety features. For example, the buses have an electric wheelchair lift, Isofix attachment points for child seats and even an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) on board. In addition, the buses are equipped with the latest safety systems according to the General Safety Regulation (GSR), such as cruise control with speed limiter, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), camera systems for blind spot monitoring, and systems for recognizing traffic signs and speed limits.
The buses are also equipped with warning systems such as a blind spot information system, a lane departure warning system, and a vigilance monitor that monitors the driver's alertness. For additional safety while driving, there is a reversing camera and an acoustic warning system (AVAS) that warns pedestrians of approaching vehicles.
sustainability
Jan Pieter Been, regional director of Arriva Zuid, emphasizes the significance of this order for the sustainability of public transport in Brabant: "With this expansion, we are taking another important step in our ambition for zero emissions. More than 90% of public transport in West Brabant will soon be provided by electric buses. That is an achievement that we are proud of and that fits in perfectly with our goal of operating completely CO2027-neutral in Brabant by 2."
Rob Mol, Managing Director of VDL Bus & Coach Nederland, also emphasizes the importance of the long-term collaboration between Arriva and VDL. “Arriva and VDL have been working together for years to achieve the European zero-emission goals. Thanks to the good collaboration, we have realized many successful projects together. Arriva’s recurring choice for our products and our company characterizes this partnership, and we are 100% committed to delivering and operating the products to the full satisfaction of Arriva and the province,” says Mol.