In September 2013, representatives of Solaris Bus & Coach S.A. signed a contract with the transport company ESHOT in Izmir for the delivery of 100 low-floor Urbino 18 vehicles. The first stage of deliveries has been completed, meaning that 30 articulated Solaris buses are now operating on the streets of Turkey’s third-largest city.
All buses are fully low-floor, equipped with air conditioning, and feature a powertrain that meets the Euro 5 emission standard. In accordance with the tradition of naming buses in Izmir, the Solaris vehicles have also received a nickname. Due to their size, color, and appearance, they have been called swans. The first batch of 30 buses arrived in Izmir in February. Another 30 vehicles will be delivered in March. According to the contract, deliveries will conclude in April, when Izmir will receive the final 40 units. This will complete the first Solaris contract in Turkey.
– By signing our first contract on the Turkish market, we felt a sense of success on one hand, but on the other, we were aware of the scale of the challenge and the responsibility that came with it. Today, during the delivery process, we can fully uphold the declaration made in September regarding the quality and manufacturing standards of the vehicles ordered by ESHOT. The buses operating on the streets of Izmir represent the same highest standard enjoyed by residents of over 500 cities in Europe and beyond – said Dr. Dariusz Michalak, Vice President of Solaris.
Opinions about the 30 Urbino 18 units already operating in Izmir confirm the words of the Solaris Vice President. The initial reactions from the city’s residents are very positive. Drivers also appreciate the driving comfort and ease of operation of the Polish Solaris buses.
ESHOT is a public company that manages and provides public bus transport services for Izmir. Its fleet includes over 1,600 buses, which serve a total of 320 lines. Izmir, with over 3 million inhabitants, is the third-largest city in Turkey. The agglomeration, located on the western coast of the Gulf of Izmir, is the second most important commercial port in Turkey after Istanbul.