British transport service provider Arriva has placed an order for 157 electric buses from Dutch manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach for its new public transport concession in West Brabant, Netherlands. This significant order comprises 58 new generation LE-122 Citeas and 99 LE-135 buses, with deliveries expected to commence in the first half of 2025.
The electric buses will be designed in the livery of local public transport operator Bravo, in preparation for the commencement of the new West Brabant concession on July 6, 2025. Arriva secured this ten-year contract, valued at €900 million, in February of this year. The Citea LE-122s will feature 429 kWh traction batteries, while the LE-135s will have 368 kWh batteries. All vehicles will be equipped with CCS Combo 2 charging sockets on both sides, providing optimal charging flexibility at depots.
“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,” said Jan Pieter Been, Arriva’s South regional director.
Rob Mol, Managing Director of VDL Bus & Coach Nederland, emphasized the longstanding partnership between VDL and Arriva, stating, “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.”
In addition to this order, Arriva had previously secured 64 new-generation Citeas for East Brabant and the province of North Brabant. These vehicles are set to serve public transport in Tilburg and various high-quality local transport lines. Furthermore, Arriva has also won a concession to operate 82 fully electric buses in Budapest, Hungary, with operations expected to start by the end of 2025, including an option for an additional 21 vehicles.
