Arriva Launches First Electric Bus Fleet in Budapest with Landmark Zero-Emission Contracts

Arriva Launches First Electric Bus Fleet in Budapest with Landmark Zero-Emission Contracts

(IN BRIEF) Arriva has been awarded two pioneering 12-year contracts by the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), making it the first operator of an electric bus fleet in Hungary’s capital. Set to launch by the end of 2025, the fleet will consist of 82 fully electric buses, with an option for 21 additional vehicles, aimed at transforming public transport and reducing air pollution in Budapest. This initiative follows Arriva’s substantial investment in electrifying its Andor depot, enabling the servicing of up to 150 buses. The new buses will serve key routes in the city, featuring modern amenities for enhanced passenger comfort. Sian Leydon, Managing Director for Mainland Europe at Arriva, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization as it strengthens its position as a leading private bus operator in Hungary.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 4-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant step towards sustainable public transportation, Arriva has been awarded two groundbreaking contracts by the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), marking the company as the first operator of an electric bus fleet in Hungary’s capital. The contracts, signed on October 3, 2024, span 12 years and will see the introduction of 82 fully electric buses into service by the end of 2025, with an option to expand the fleet by an additional 21 vehicles. This initiative is set to revolutionize public transport in Budapest by offering cleaner and quieter services, contributing to improved air quality in the city.

Arriva’s commitment to electrification began over two years ago with the investment in upgrading its Andor depot, enabling the servicing of approximately 150 buses. This modernization will facilitate future fleet expansions throughout the contract’s duration. Sian Leydon, Managing Director for Mainland Europe at Arriva Group, expressed pride in the recognition of Arriva’s expertise in decarbonization and the confidence to further invest in Hungary, solidifying its position as the leading private bus operator in the region.

The new electric buses will operate on crucial routes into Budapest’s city center and are designed to significantly reduce pollution levels. The fleet will consist of 58 rigid buses and 24 articulated buses, all equipped with modern features such as low floors, digital mirrors, and heated seats, enhancing the travel experience for both passengers and drivers. These contracts, effective from 2026 through 2038, will replace Arriva’s existing operations in Budapest.

With a focus on sustainable transport solutions, Arriva’s strategy draws on successful experiences in countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. The establishment of the Zero Emission Institute (ZEI) underscores the company’s commitment to providing technical support for the infrastructure and bus requirements needed in Budapest. As the sole privately owned service provider in the city since 1999, Arriva operates a fleet of around 450 vehicles, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to modernizing public transport in Hungary.

About Arriva Group:

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day. The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe. Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.

Media Contact:

Arriva Group press office
communications@arriva.co.uk

SOURCE: Arriva Group