VDL introduces anti-Covid technologies and tools for Class I and coach range

VDL Bus & Coach is introducing VDL Pure Air Technology (for the Futura) and VDL Clean Air Technology (for Citea and Futura) as solutions developed in order to reduce the risk of Covid infection during the journey.

VDL, ionisation process for bus disinfection

Going into details, VDL Pure Air Technology involves active ionisation of the air by means of plasma cluster ionisers as a mean of bus disinfection. The ionised air entering the passenger compartment from the air duct has such a high ion value that not only viruses but also, for example, fine dust and bacteria are rendered harmless. The VDL Pure Air Technology modules are placed out of sight inside the vehicle’s air duct. The Pure Air system activates automatically when the vehicle is started up. This guarantees constant cleaning. The ionisation process is harmless to humans and the environment. 

VDL Clean Air Technology is also available in both the Futura and the Citea. This offers the possibility to upgrade the recirculation filters of the climate system in coaches and public transport buses to an F7 grade. F7 filters trap up to 90% of particles with a size of up to 0.4 μm. This also includes the drops of moisture caused by talking or coughing. These moisture droplets can be the means of transport for smaller virus particles and are thus completely stopped by the F7 filter. 

Also, VDL has introduced the possibility to mount a customer-specific partition on the driver’s door for the Citea’s range. This partition is made to measure so that important elements such as payment points remain easily accessible. Also, automatic disinfection dispensers (spray, not gel) at the various door positions are available in the Dutch manufacturer’s offer.

For the coaches, VDL Bus & Coach offers the possibility to mount a glass shield on the standard partition bulkheads on both the driver’s and the guide’s side. This glass partition covers the entire area behind the driver or guide and meets current safety requirements. 

VDL is also producing face masks

Together with Koninlijke DSM, a joint venture has been set up by the VDL Group to produce high-quality medical face masks. A unique feature of these masks, VDL points out, is that the filter material is produced in the Netherlands. In addition, three VDL companies are participating in the realisation of hundreds of ventilation systems of partner Demcon. In this way, a complete ventilation system has been developed, produced and tested that is suitable for the ventilation of COVID-19 patients in intensive care. 

Covid-crisis, less people on public transport

“It goes without saying that the COVID-19 crisis is having a major impact on VDL Bus & Coach and the bus industry,” says Pieter Gerdingh, Business Manager Coach Range of VDL Bus & Coach. “We must adapt to this new reality. The number of journeys has fallen sharply as a result of COVID-19 and it is unclear how quickly tourism will recover. During the coronavirus crisis, we stayed in touch with our customers from the very beginning. It is clear that we, as an industry, are jointly responsible for making coach transport as safe as possible and for regaining the trust of passengers.”

Alex de Jong, Business Manager Public Transport adds: “Our customers are having to cope with fewer people using public transport. This also has consequences for tendering procedures, especially in the Netherlands. But even in these difficult times, we are continuing to invest with the aim of strengthening our position as a European frontrunner in e-mobility in our key markets.”