First new generation VDL Citea buses launched in operation in Eindhoven

Transdev-owned carrier Hermes presented its brand new generation of VDL Citea buses to the public on Monday, 27 May 2024, following an order that dates back to 2021. With the deployment of the first 32 of a total of 64 new generation Citea (the model was launched in September 2022), Hermes is now in possession of the entirely new generation of zero-emission buses in North Brabant. 

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

The buses are set to be produced in the new plant in Roeselare, Belgium. Back in 2026, Hermes has put in operation the first large e-bus fleet in Europe in the same city of Eindhoven.

VDL new generation Citea to run in Eindhoven

The buses deployed by Hermes in the Southeast Brabant region are equipped with a variety of technological specifications, including the so-called ‘Brainport’ package, as VDL points out: 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.

The driver has also been considered, VDL says: “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”. 

Hermes will deploy its new buses on city lines in Eindhoven and neighbouring municipalities. 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. 

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.” 

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.”