Eindhoven gets acquainted with new generation Citea

The next step towards Zero Emissions

Hermes is happy to be replacing its old buses for these brand new and state-of-the-art buses, which will make a positive contribution to reducing its carbon footprint. Travelling by public transport has thus become even more environmentally friendly than it already was. The buses deployed by Hermes in the Southeast Brabant region are equipped with a variety of technological specifications, including the so-called 'Brainport' package; this includes safety systems such as Forward Collision Warning and a Blind Spot Detection system. With an all-electric powertrain, where battery packs are installed in the floor and motors are integrated into the wheels, there is room for up to 92 passengers on board these new buses. In addition, the improved passenger comfort is clearly felt through the unique interior design and special lighting, which contributes to a very positive passenger experience.

Martijn Mentink, regional director of Hermes: "With these new zero-emission city buses, we are taking the next step towards a completely emission-free fleet in Southeast Brabant. The development is also fully in line with the vision of the commissioner of public transport, the province of North Brabant. It is good news both for them and for the residents of our region. It fits seamlessly with the goal of offering completely emission-free bus transport by 2030. And in doing so, our traveller is the main winner because we’re convinced that these new buses will contribute to an even finer travel experience."

The driver has also been considered: a lot of time and attention was paid to creating the optimal driver environment when designing the bus, with no concessions made to ergonomics, ease of operation, comfort and safety.

Richard van den Dungen, CCO VDL Bus & Coach: "We are extremely proud that our new generation Citeas will be filling the streetscape of Eindhoven and the surrounding area. Hermes and Eindhoven have therefore achieved a first in the Netherlands. The traveller and the driver are going to experience an extremely comfortable travel experience, also in the knowledge that this journey is more environmentally friendly than travelling with the previous generations of buses."

Gaining experience for the traveller

Hermes will deploy its new buses on city lines in Eindhoven and neighbouring municipalities. Hermes is happy to invite residents of Eindhoven to try out the comfort of the new buses. A free 'Zero-Emission off-peak day card' can be requested via a specially set up website. This allows a day of free bus travel from 9:00 am, once the morning rush hour is over. Participating lines are city lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 114. The promotion runs until 30 June.

The next 32 new buses ordered by Hermes will follow later this year. These regional buses will be able to cover greater distances and therefore start becoming visible outside Eindhoven.

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.