Representatives of Solaris Bus & Coach S.A. have signed a contract with the Vilnius-based carrier UAB “Vilniaus viešasis transportas” for the delivery of 150 new-generation Urbino buses. One hundred of the ordered buses are twelve-meter vehicles, and fifty are articulated buses. This is the largest contract for a single delivery of buses in Lithuania since 1990.
The order for the Lithuanian capital includes the delivery and financing of 100 new Solaris Urbino 12 and 50 new-generation Urbino 18 units, with a total value of over 40 million Euros. According to the terms of the signed agreement, the first buses will hit the streets of Vilnius as early as March 2018, while the entire delivery is to be completed by the end of next year. Financing is provided by the local bank Luminor.
– We are proud of our contribution to the modernization of the bus fleet in Vilnius. The first Solaris Trollino buses arrived here in 2004, eight years later eco-friendly natural gas-powered buses appeared, and soon we will deliver as many as 150 of the latest generation Urbino buses to the residents of Vilnius. This latest order opens a new chapter in the history of Solaris’ relationship with the largest municipal bus carrier in Lithuania – said Zbigniew Palenica, Vice President of Solaris Bus & Coach S.A. responsible for Sales and After Sales.
The vehicles for VVT will be equipped with powertrains meeting the strict Euro 6 emission standard. For the hundred 12-meter buses, the engine supplier will be Cummins, while DAF engines will be used in the articulated version. To allow drivers to better monitor the economy of their driving style, an Economizer – a fuel consumption and driving style recording system – will be installed in each vehicle. In addition to standard equipment, the buses will feature a number of amenities for drivers and passengers: a passenger counting system, full air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi access. Passengers using public transport will also be able to charge their phones using publicly available USB ports. Video monitoring of the vehicle will be installed both outside and inside the bus, as well as a state-of-the-art passenger information system. For even greater travel safety, an alcolock will be located at the driver’s console. This device prevents the engine from starting if the driver is intoxicated.
This is the first order in the city’s history for Solaris buses with conventional drive. Until now, the residents of Vilnius had the opportunity to travel on fifteen-meter Trollino trolleybuses and CNG-powered Urbino 12 buses. The record-breaking contract signed today with the capital’s carrier will bring the number of buses with the green dachshund logo in Lithuania to nearly 350 units in the coming year. Additionally, a tender procedure is currently underway for the delivery of 41 trolleybuses for Vilnius, where Solaris is the sole bidder.