Over 150 new generation VDL Citeas for Arriva in West-Brabant
Public transport operator Arriva has placed an order for as many as 157 new electric buses from VDL Bus & Coach, the buses division of VDL Groep. These buses, the new generation VDL Citea, are destined for the new West Brabant concession, which will enter into operation on 6 July 2025.
VDL Bus & Coach will start delivering 58 new generation Citeas of type LE-122 and 99 buses of type LE-135 from the first half of 2025. These vehicles will be used for public transport in West Brabant. Arriva, together with North Brabant province, previously ordered 64 new-generation Citeas in various versions for East Brabant. These vehicles will soon be put into operation for public transport in the city of Tilburg and for deployment on high-quality public transport lines between Uden-Veghel-Eindhoven and Uden-Veghel-Den Bosch.
Fully equipped
All 157 new vehicles are equipped with charging sockets on both left and right for optimal charging flexibility at depot locations. In addition, the vehicles will have camera monitoring systems instead of conventional mirrors, be fully emission-free and equipped with an innovative climate control system. The ergonomic driver environment provides maximum support to the driver, with the driver’s cabin equipped with an electrically adjustable, air-conditioned driver’s seat with memory function. All vehicles have additional interior lighting and are further characterised by the large number of luxury seats fitted with extra-thick seat and back cushions with mainly forward-facing seats for optimal passenger comfort.
Safety
Besides comfort and house style, safety is a central theme in its further equipment. For example, all buses get an electric wheelchair ramp, Isofix (system for attaching child seats) and an AED. The vehicles feature various safety systems and driver support systems, such as: cruise control including speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring system, camera mirrors including blind spot camera, light and rain sensor, blind spot warning, traffic sign and speed recognition, rear-view camera and various detection and warning systems.
Major next step in making public transport North Brabant sustainable
“With this expansion, we are taking another important step in our zero emission ambitions”, explains Jan Pieter Been, regional director Arriva South. “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 2027.
Longstanding partnership
“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 deliver and operate our products to the satisfaction of Arriva and the province,” states Rob Mol, Managing Director VDL Bus & Coach Nederland. “With this order from Arriva, we further strengthen our position in the field of electric public transport.”
About Arriva
Arriva Netherlands is part of Arriva Group. Arriva provides passenger transport services and operates in ten European countries. In the Netherlands, Arriva has about 5,500 employees and operates in the provinces of Drenthe, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Overijssel and Zuid-Holland. Besides train and bus transport, Arriva operates in the Dutch coach business under the name Arriva Touring. Arriva Touring also provides transport at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport.
About VDL Bus & Coach
The core activities of VDL Bus & Coach comprise the development, production, sales, aftersales, and service of a wide range of public transport buses and coaches. VDL Bus & Coach consists of several operating companies that are jointly active on the world market. Production takes place in Western Europe. Quality, safety, durability, the environment, low energy consumption, comfort and low maintenance costs are of paramount importance. In the transition to zero emission transport, VDL Bus & Coach offers total solutions. VDL Bus & Coach products are sold through a worldwide network of own branches, importers and agents in more than 30 countries. The customer can rely on a fast and faultless aftersales, servicing and maintenance service by employees of one of the many service points. A very extensive distribution network ensures that spare parts are delivered to their destination as quickly as possible. VDL Bus & Coach has grown into one of the largest bus manufacturers in Europe.