Keolis Sverige has started operating the 65km commuter route between Gothenburg and Borås as part of a 10.5-year contract awarded to the French group in December 2019. Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city with over 550,000 inhabitants, whilst Boras, with over 65,000 inhabitants, lies around 70km to the east. Carrying over 1.3 million passengers per year, the existing fleet is being replaced by 22 brand new 75-seat biodiesel-fuelled Volvo double-deckers, offering passengers a comfortable on-board experience where they can connect to WiFi and use USB sockets to charge portable devices. For younger passengers, there are integrated child seats.
Prior to the launch, Keolis Sverige provided special training for its 45 drivers and mechanics on the 14.36-metre long, 4.25-metre high buses.
Bernard Tabary, CEO International, Keolis Group, commented: “We are delighted to be entrusted with the operation of this new contract for double-decker commuter buses in Sweden, the first of its kind for Keolis, thereby continuing our sustainable cooperation with Västtrafik in yet another network. We are looking forward to providing a mobility offer that is both clean and safe and playing our role in the energy transition to enhance the everyday life of Swedish residents.”
