Year-long trial to start in December of a Euro 6 model with a host of features which will debut in the German capital
GERMANY Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) has ordered a two-axle Scania Citywide low- floor double-decker bus for a year-long trial.
The Euro 6-compliant vehicle will boast a number of ‘extras’ which will make their debut in the Berlin bus network. These include a glass roof in the front of the upper deck and a staircase in the direction of travel, which Scania and BVG feel will improve the flow of passengers.
Other features will include USB ports on each row of seats, LED lighting on the steps and on the side walls of the staircase – in addition to an electronic display which will keep passengers informed of available seats in the upper deck. BVG said it also intends to trial other vehicle makes but has yet to reveal what these will be.
BVG has chosen an 11-metre variant, which will be able to accommodate up to 89 passengers. This is now expected to enter service in December 2014.
Türk Wundt, Key Account Manager city and intercity buses from Scania Germany, said: “We are very pleased that we can provide the Scania Citywide with a new interior concept for BVG. With a precise analysis of our customers’ needs, we can design bespoke vehicle solutions, meaning the potential passenger flows can be optimised.
Explaining the reasoning behind the trial, Martin Koller, Head of Bus at BVG said: “Doubledecker buses are a trademark for Berlin and BVG. We are now going to test different models to meet the diverse demands of the growing city and provide us with the tailor-made public transport services we need to offer. We want to capture and examine passenger movements in everyday service. These trials will help shape our future purchasing decisions. We are very excited about the test bus and look forward to seeing it in service.”
Unlike other cities in both Germany and mainland continental Europe, which prefer artics, Berlin operates double-deckers. BVG runs a standardised fleet and replaces the double-deckers in bulk. The current frontline fleet is made up of MAN Lion’s City, the model being developed to meet the German capital’s requirements. As a result, if the Scania trial proves successful, it will prove a significant milestone for the Swedish manufacturer in Germany.
