SWEDEN VDL Bus & Coach has delivered 23 Light Low-Entry VDL Citeas LLE-120s to Transdev Sverige, the first three-door versions to be delivered to an operator in Sweden since its introduction at Busworld Kortrijk 2015. Two more will be delivered in August.
Transdev Sverige is putting the buses into service in Umeå, the largest city in northern Sweden. It is also one of the fastest growing in Europe and was named European Capital of Culture in 2014. With many birch-lined avenues, it has been christened the ‘birch city’ and that’s why the buses carry a birch leaf motif as part of their livery. The Transdev Sverige LLE-120s have a 1-2-1 door configuration, 38 seats and room for 44 standing passengers as well as one wheelchair space. Their specification includes a ‘Nordic Pack’, which includes extra insulation and heating to cater to the cold climate.
One of the most important benefits of the buses is their low kerb weight which means fuel consumption is lower than with many conventional buses. That reduces harmful emissions as well as lowering operating costs. Add to that a long service life and it all maximises ‘Profit of Ownership says VDL.
Transdev Sverige operates passenger services under contract to regional public transport authorities throughout Sweden and also runs its own commercial train and bus services. Transdev is one of Sweden’s largest operators of passenger services with approximately 3,700 people employed throughout the country. Transdev Sverige is part of Transdev Group with 83,000 employees working in 19 countries. The group, operating 43,000 vehicles and 22 tramway networks, had a turnover of €6.6bn last year.
