Following the signing of its first hydrogen bus agreement, Arriva is expecting delivery of 10 buses for its operations in the Netherlands this December, with operations due to start in early 2022.
The operator says it plans to replace some of the current diesel buses with hydrogen-fuelled technology on routes in Achterhoek, Gelderland, a region which is participating in the European JIVE2 (Joint Initiative for Hydrogen Vehicles) programme focusing on the promotion of emission-free public transport.
The 12-metre buses, to be supplied by Polish manufacturer Solaris, are expected to travel over one million kilometres per year. Each vehicle will have 37 seats and be able to carry 85 passengers. The buses are equipped with USB charging points, air-conditioning and modern passenger information systems as well as CCTV, and have a hydrogen storage capacity of 1,500 litres.
Liz Benison, Arriva’s Managing Director for Europe, said: “This is an exciting development for Arriva with hydrogen technology now reaching a level of maturity that allows it to become part of our fleet strategy in European markets that support its introduction. Our journey to net zero continues, helping to reduce pollution and provide sustainable ways of keeping communities connected.”
The 10 vehicles and the supporting infrastructure represents an investment of €6.4 million, funded in partnership between Gelderland province, Arriva and the EU.
