Sunderland, United Kingdom – Arriva plc., a British multinational public transport company has ordered 157 new electric buses from VDL Bus & Coach (VDL Groep) for the West Brabant concession, set to start on July 6, 2025. This order includes 58 units of Citea LE-122 units with 429 kWh traction batteries and 99 units Citea LE-135 with 368 kWh batteries, with deliveries beginning in the first half of 2025.
Previously, Arriva and North Brabant province ordered 64 new-generation Citeas for East Brabant, to be deployed in Tilburg and on key transit lines connecting Uden, Veghel, Eindhoven, and Den Bosch.
All 157 buses will feature CCS Combo 2 charging sockets on both sides, camera monitoring systems, and will be fully emission-free. The ergonomic driver's cabin includes an electrically adjustable, air-conditioned seat with memory function. Additional interior lighting and luxury seating with extra-thick cushions ensure optimal passenger comfort.
These newly designed buses are fully branded with Bravo's identity, featuring the corporate colors—red, purple, and blue—in the seat covers, bars, and floors, along with the signature Bravo heart in the interior design.
In addition to their luxurious comfort, safety is a top priority. Each bus includes an electric wheelchair ramp, Isofix, and an AED. They also comply with the latest GSR directive and feature advanced safety systems, including cruise control with speed limiter, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), camera mirrors with blind spot cameras, light and rain sensors, blind spot warnings, traffic sign and speed recognition, Moving Off Information System, Driver Drowsiness Detection, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), and a reversing camera.
Mr. Jan Pieter Been, Arriva South regional director, said, “With this expansion, we are taking another important step in our zero emission ambitions, over 90% of public transport in West Brabant, which is provided by Arriva, will soon be by electric bus. A number we are proud of and which fits with our goal of operating on a completely CO2-neutral basis in Brabant by as early as 2027.
Mr. Rob Mol, Managing Director VDL Bus & Coach Nederland, said, “Arriva and VDL have been each other’s partners for many years, pulling together to achieve Europe’s zero emission target. Because of the good cooperation, we have accomplished many successful projects together. Arriva’s recurring trust in our product and our company characterises this partnership and we are 100% committed to delivering and operating our products to the satisfaction of Arriva and the province.”
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