NETHERLANDS
GVB, the public transport operator in Amsterdam, is further expanding its electric fleet with 84 new generation VDL Citeas. The battery-electric vehicles will be delivered from 2023 onwards, and the contract includes an option for a further 130. Dutch manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach will supply 30 articulated and 54 12-metre rigid buses as well as charging infrastructure.
GVB has been using electric buses since the end of 2019, and currently has 44 in service. An additional 31 will enter service during the summer period, bringing the total number of electric buses to 75 in 2022. Willem van der Leegte, President of VDL Group, said: “With the development of the new generation VDL Citea, we have developed a versatile mobility platform that matches the sustainability ambitions of our customers. That also applies to GVB. In this way, we will remain at the forefront of the public transport market, where we are leading the way in Europe on the basis of our more than 150 million electric kilometres driven. By signing this contract, we are making an important contribution to making Amsterdam an even cleaner city for its residents and visitors, based on our collaborative strength. We are proud to be able to supply buses to our capital city again. GVB and VDL have been working together for many years. The fact that this cooperation is continuing is a sign of its success.”
Claudia Zuiderwijk, Managing Director of GVB, added: “This order is a good step towards nicer, cleaner and more sustainable public transport in Amsterdam. More and more inhabitants of Amsterdam will experience how the droning acceleration of buses is disappearing from the city and that the air is cleaner when they cycle or walk around.”
