Iveco Bus signs framework agreement for 141 Urbanway hybrid buses for Brussels

141 Iveco Urbanway hybrid buses will hit Brussels’ roads. The city awarded Iveco Bus with a maxi order of articulated hybrid buses. The company recently signed a framework agreement with STIB-MIVB (Brussels Intermunicipal Transport Company) to supply 141 vehicles. The delivery will begin in May 2019.

Framework agreement for 141 hybrid buses

Iveco Bus has signed a five year framework agreement with STIB-MIVB, the Brussels public transport operator (that provides a transport service for over 1,100,000 local residents as well as thousands of commuters on a network that consists of four metro lines, 17 tram lines, 50 bus lines and 11 night bus lines). The agreement covers the delivery of 141 articulated hybrid electric Urbanway buses. This agreement also covers the planning, construction, supply, implementation, delivery of spare parts and battery pack maintenance as well as all traction chain components, Iveco Bus reports in a press release. This major order is an important part of the network’s development plan for more environmentally friendly and sustainable mobility.

Hybrid bus with “Arrive & Go” function

The 18-metre-long hybrid electric Urbanway can carry up to 103 passengers and has been designed to facilitate access and improve travel conditions for passengers, such as a low floor for improved passenger flow management, a dedicated zone for vulnerable users, and modular areas to accommodate a wheelchair or children’s pushchairs. The “Arrive & Go” function enables operation in 100% electric mode with zero emissions when approaching and leaving stop signs, bus stops and traffic lights. According to the statements of Iveco Bus, fuel consumption per vehicle is reduced by 30% and CO₂ emissions can also be reduced by up to 30% compared with diesel buses, equating to a 35 tonne reduction of CO₂  per year. Iveco Bus has also been awarded with Sustainable Bus Award 2019: the Urban prize will be delivered to the trolleybus Crealis 18m In-Motion-Charging.

ICE engine compatible with biofuel

The diesel engine is the Tector 7 286hp engine produced by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of CNH Industrial, which is compatible with second generation HVO biofuel. Carbon emissions can thus be reduced by up to 90% compared with a standard diesel engine, Iveco Bus reports. “The introduction of these new vehicles to the network will enable STIB-MIVB to increase its bus network’s total capacity by a third by the end of 2019. Thanks to a strong desire and willingness from the government, a new era has begun for our network, offering passengers greater comfort and improving mobility and quality of life in Brussels. I’m proud to be part of the mobility of the future, alongside IVECO BUS, a key partner in sustainable transport!” said Brieuc de Meeûs, CEO of STIB-MIVB.

Iveco Bus leader in environmentally respectful solutions

“This agreement with STIB-MIVB clearly positions us as the leader in environmentally respectful solutions with government authorities and transport officials who are now choosing the mobility of tomorrow. We are delighted at this significant order in a country that benefits from the strong presence of our CNH Industrial Group”, said Sylvain Blaise, Vice-President of IVECO and Head of the Global Bus Division.