Arriva has placed an order for as many as 157 new electric buses from VDL Bus & Coach. The new generation VDL Citea buses are destined for the operator’s new West Brabant franchise, which will begin on 6 July 2025.
VDL Bus & Coach will start by delivering 58 new generation LE-122 Citeas and 99 LE-135 models from the first half of 2025 for West Brabant. Arriva, together with North Brabant province, previously ordered 64 new-generation Citeas in various versions for East Brabant. The vehicles will soon be put into operation in the city of Tilburg and on routes between Uden, Veghel and Eindhoven, and Uden, Veghel and Den Bosch.
The new vehicles will be equipped with charging sockets on both left and right sides for optimal charging flexibility at depot locations. In addition, the vehicles will have camera monitoring systems instead of conventional mirrors, and be equipped with what VDL says is an innovative climate control system. Seats will be fitted with extra-thick cushions and be mainly forward-facing seats for optimal passenger comfort. Buses will also include an Isofix system for attaching child seats.
“With this expansion, we are taking another important step in our zero emission ambitions,” explained regional director for Arriva South Jan Pieter Been. “Over 90% of public transport in West Brabant, which is provided by Arriva, will soon be by electric bus. A number we are proud of and which fits with our goal of operating on a completely CO2-neutral basis in Brabant by 2027.
“Arriva and VDL have been each other’s partners for many years, pulling together to achieve Europe’s zero-emission target. Because of the good cooperation, we have accomplished many successful projects together. Arriva’s recurring trust in our product and our company characterises this partnership and we are 100% committed to deliver and operate our products to the satisfaction of Arriva and the province,” said Rob Mol, Managing Director at VDL Bus & Coach Nederland. “With this order from Arriva, we further strengthen our position in the field of electric public transport.”
