2/18/2009

SOR’s Environmental Buses Best Choice for Prague

Over the next six years, the SOR Libchavy bus manufacturer will supply the Prague Transport Authority (DPHMP) with a total of 620 buses for municipal transport. All of the buses meet the strictest of environmental criteria and are characterised by low fuel consumption. Twenty of the buses will have a highly environment-friendly hybrid engine. The DPHMP tender committee made the final decision to award this public contract to SOR.

“The City of Prague established strict conditions and highly qualitative requirements. We are therefore extremely happy that we succeeded amongst the tough competition we faced. The greatest benefits of the new high-quality SOR buses will be enjoyed by those travelling and living in the capital city,” declared Petr Hájek, SOR’s executive officer. “In addition to their appealing price, the main merits of our buses include an entirely new vehicle construction that takes significant advantage of composite materials and plastics, which ensures low consumption, contemporary design and a special interior layout, thanks to which SOR buses are extraordinarily appropriate for municipal mass transport in Prague,” said Hájek.

 The delivery will consist of 465 municipal low-entry buses (SOR NB 12), 235 municipal low-entry articulated buses (SOR NB 18) and 20 municipal low-entry articulated buses with hybrid engines (SOR NBH 18). In all cases, these are diesel-powered, fully low-entry buses, equipped with the ability to tilt the vehicle body at stops (kneeling facility), which makes entering and exiting the bus more comfortable for passengers. The buses will be delivered to the Transport Authority in phases over the 2009 to 2014 timeframe.

The emissions of all the SOR buses designated for DPHMP even exceed the requirements established in the strict European EURO 5 standard for emission limits, which enters into force in autumn 2009.  The hybrid engine models, which, in addition to a classic diesel motor, include an electric drive and power supply, will use approximately 10 litres of fuel less for every 100 kilometres. In the case of SOR buses, this will decrease emissions by at least one-fourth as compared to vehicles with only a traditional motor. The hybrid engine buses will carry their first passengers in Prague by no later than 2011.

All SOR buses offer a high level of transport comfort for their drivers and passengers alike. Air-conditioned driver cabins with heated seats and a beverage cooler are a matter of course. In addition to other features, the vehicles will also be fitted with a dashboard computer, Wi-Fi receiver, chip card reader, and electronic information panels. Special equipment for visually impaired passengers, a camera system for monitoring the interior of the vehicle and equipment for preference in traffic will also be installed.

 

Mgr. Petr Hájek
SOR Libchavy, Executive Officer

author: Petr Hájek