New order from De Lijn for VDL Bus & Coach
Belgian passenger transport company De Lijn has ordered 66 VDL Citea’s SLE hybrid and 55 VDL Citea’s SLE in the diesel version from VDL Bus & Coach. “We are proud that we can supply to De Lijn and are confident our buses will make a very positive contribution to the sustainability and profitability of the De Lijn fleet.’’ The buses are made at VDL Bus Roeselare. VDL Bus & Coach is the only bus manufacturer that carries out its production exclusively in Western Europe. “This order is therefore also very important for employment in Belgium”, says Peter Wouters, Managing Director of VDL Bus Roeselare. All the vehicles are to be delivered in 2018 and early 2019 and will be deployed on various lines in Flanders.
VDL Citea SLE-120 hybrid
The Citea SLE-120 hybrid is 12 meters in length, is equipped with a serial hybrid system with STOP & GO function. The vehicles for Flemish public transport company De Lijn are designed in such a way that they can move off from traffic lights and bus stops using only the electric motor, without starting the diesel engine.
The concept of this Citea SLE Hybrid is modularly customizable to enable even longer journeys to be driven purely electrically. By using an inverted pantograph and a larger battery pack, the electrical autonomy is further increased.
VDL Citea SLE-120
The Citea SLE-120 is also 12 meters in length and is equipped with a Euro 6 Cummins ISB6.7E6C engine. Thanks to its innovative lightweight construction and an efficient driveline, which is geared to De Lijn’s specific type of deployment, the Citea has a low net weight, making for excellent fuel economy and minimal emissions of harmful exhaust gases. This, in combination with a long service life, results in maximum ‘Profit of Ownership’. The low floor construction at the doors makes it exceptionally easy to enter the bus and offers optimal access, for travellers with a baby buggy or wheelchair for example. Once on board, the Citea’s light, inviting interior is the first thing one notices. The cantilever seat design (free-hanging seats) ensures plenty of leg room and therefore optimal sitting comfort.
VVM De Lijn
De Lijn is the commercial name of the Flemish public transport company (V.V.M.), an autonomous public company for the city and regional bus and tram service in Flanders. De Lijn is committed to quality, customer-oriented public transport. The company also has a strong commitment to providing punctual, reliable and fast service with sufficient capacity, frequency and safety. In total, this involves around 10,000 workers, approximately 8,000 of which are employed at V.V.M. De Lijn. The remaining 2,000 work for bus companies that provide service on behalf of V.V.M. De Lijn.