BELGIUM
Flemish operator De Lijn put the first of its new generation of electric buses from VDL into service from its Destelbergen depot at the beginning of July. The first five of 24 new electric buses from VDL will strengthen the company’s existing electric fleet in the Ghent region.
“The first five VDL e-buses will be put into service from 1 July from the Destelbergen depot. This depot expects five more e-buses in the coming weeks and months, and the remaining 14 vehicles from this order at VDL will be deployed from the Sint-Niklaas depot,” said outgoing Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters. “During the last legislative term, we effectively implemented the greening of the bus fleet at De Lijn. Thanks to the additional investment resources that were provided, the transport company was able to place various orders. E-buses do not consume fossil fuels and do not emit anything at all. This is a major advantage for both the climate and the health of those in or around the bus. In addition, De Lijn only buys green energy, so there are no emissions during the production of the energy. It is essential that this transition continues and that the necessary resources are provided for this.”
“We are particularly pleased that we can also let our customers in the Ghent region enjoy the new generation of e-buses,” added Ann Schoubs, CEO of De Lijn. “Just like all other e-buses, they have many advantages that increase passenger comfort, such as USB charging points for smartphones, extra-wide information screens with stop information, electrically operated ramps for less mobile passengers, seats with recycled leather, a floor with a wood look and improved ventilation. But the safety and comfort of our drivers has also been considered. The e-buses are equipped with safety features that would not be out of place in the most modern cars, such as cameras instead of mirrors and multiple systems to detect pedestrians and cyclists. Special attention has been paid to the driver’s cab, which has its own air conditioning and a heated and ventilated seat.”
Mayor of the municipality of Destelbergen Elsie Sierens added: “The fact that public transport is taking a sustainable path and opting for electrification fits perfectly with the objectives of the Covenant of Mayors and the Local Energy and Climate Pact. We are all the more pleased that we can offer a first in Destelbergen, namely that the first VDL e-buses will serve the region from here.”
