Despite the ongoing coronavirus situation, Arriva has started a new 10-year contract to operate bus services in the Pilsen region, in the south west of the Czech Republic, which will see the introduction of 315 new buses.
Jana Siber, Arriva’s Managing Director for Mainland Europe, said: “I am incredibly proud of the Arriva team in the Czech Republic for mobilising the contract against the challenging backdrop of global disruption to supply chains because of coronavirus. Mobilising a new contract that involves the introduction of 315 buses is no easy feat in this current time. Ensuring the safety of passengers and our people remains our key priority and we have measures in place to reduce the risk posed by coronavirus.”
The new contract forms part of a wider reorganisation of transport operations in the Pilsen region which includes an revamp of the timetable and a reorganisation of some parts of the network. A central control room will be established to enable better information sharing between Arriva and other transport operators so that problems can be more easily identified and addressed.
There is also a demand responsive element. From August, customers in more rural areas will be able to make a request to be picked up from their nearest bus stop half an hour before departure: This can be done via telephone, online or by making a request on another Arriva bus service.
Additionally, bearing in mind that the region is normally popular with tourists and visitors, Arriva will fit some buses with bike racks or trailes in the summer, and ski boxes in the winter. These will be focused on routes to Šumava in the Bohemian Forest, Český les in the Upper Palatine Forest and other tourist spots.
The new contract consists of 235 bus routes, mostly focused in and around the city of Pilsen. The 315 new buses Four different types of buses have been introduced, which wear a blue, white and yellow livery, which includes the region’s logo. The new buses include 12 small Dekstra minibuses, 145 Iveco Crossway buses, 92 MAN buses and 66 high-capacity Setra buses.
