A CONSORTIUM OF PUBLIC TRANPSORT companies within southern Italy’s Puglia region – transporting around 32 million commuters annually - has received its order of 294 Iveco buses after the OEM won the public bid, it’s reported recently.
Said to improve extra-urban transport in Puglia, the delivery to the Co.Tr.A.P consortium in Bari, at the Fiera del Levante, will see the buses used by the trustee of financed inter-urban services for more than 50 million kilometres every year, spread over 55 companies (in the consortium) – seven of which are public – and which directly manages three bus routes in the Province of Bari (Andria – Bari Z.I., Bitonto – Santo Spirito and Corato – Trani).
The purchase of these vehicles, 70 per cent of which was backed by regional funding, was finalised to “modernise a consortium fleet of 1704 interurban and 145 urban vehicles”, and reduces the average age of vehicles in circulation from 16 to 11 – “consistent with commitments undertaken as regards respect for the environment and public statements in the document Politica per la Qualità e l’Ambiente (Quality and Environmental Policy), as well as in the Service Charter,” Iveco states.
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KEY PLAYERS
It is an important supply that will replace more than 15 per cent of the fleet in circulation, with the challenging objective to make transport in Puglia more efficient, it’s stated.
The delivery comprises 60 Evadys, fitted with Cursor 9 Hi-SCR 400hp engines, in 12m and a 13m versions, 22 12m Crossway Low Entry and 212 Crossway, all with Cursor 9 Hi-SCR 360hp engines and ZF Ecolife automatic gearboxes.
According to the bus manufacturer, all vehicles are equipped with: an electro-hydraulic lift, making it easier for passengers with reduced mobility to board; a single front door and double central door; tinted windows; reclining seats with vandal-proof upholstery; fire protection system and air conditioning; a collection of technological solutions and fittings designed to ensure both maximum safety and comfort on board as well as optimal performance; and a significant reduction in fuel consumption; and more time between maintenance intervals, thanks to the HI-SCR post-treatment system with diesel particulate filter (DPF).
CONSORTIUM OBJECTIVES
These features have ensured these vehicles are market leaders across Europe, confirmed by the fact they continue to be the choice of private customers and public entities, via an effective response to the need for high-quality standards, durability and ever-increasing attention to the environmental impact and sustainability, it states.
The commitment that Iveco Bus undertakes as regards innovation, performance and safety, and technological excellence that puts people and the environment at the centre of the business, marries perfectly with the objectives of the consortium, which shares its vision – and for its activities that require reliable, high-performing products with the aim to ensure passengers are fully satisfied, the company says.
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