Over 150 new generation VDL Citea’s for Arriva in West Brabant

Pleasure transport operator Arriva has ordered 157 new electric buses from VDL Bus & Coach, the Bus division of VDL Groep. These buses, the new generation VDL Citea, are destined for the new West Brabant concession, which starts on 6 July 2025.

VDL Bus & Coach will begin delivering 58 new generation VDL Citea’s type LE-122 and 99 buses of the type LE-135 starting from the first half of 2025. These vehicles will be used for public transport in West Brabant. Previously, Arriva, together with the Province of North Brabant, ordered 64 new generation Citea’s in various configurations for East Brabant. These vehicles will soon be deployed for public transport in the city of Tilburg and on the high-quality public transport lines (HOV) between Uden-Veghel-Eindhoven and Uden-Veghel-Den Bosch.

Fully equipped with all comforts

All 157 new vehicles are equipped with both left- and right-mounted charging connections for optimal charging flexibility at depot locations. Additionally, the vehicles are fitted with camera monitoring systems instead of conventional mirrors, are completely emission-free, and are equipped with an innovative climate system. The ergonomic driver environment provides maximum support, with the driver’s cab featuring an electrically adjustable, climate-controlled driver’s seat with memory function. All vehicles have additional interior lighting and are further characterized by the large number of luxury seats fitted with extra-thick seat and back cushions, mainly with forward-facing seats for optimal passenger comfort.

Safety

In addition to comfort and style, safety is a central theme in the further implementation. All buses will be equipped with an electric wheelchair ramp, Isofix (system for securing child seats), and an AED. The vehicles feature various safety systems and driver assistance systems, such as: cruise control including speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring system, camera mirrors including blind spot camera, light and rain sensors, blind spot warning, traffic sign and speed recognition, reversing camera, and various detection and warning systems.

Major step forward in greening public transport North Brabant

“With this expansion, we take another important step in our zero emission ambitions,” explains Jan Pieter Been, regional director of Arriva South. “Over 90% of public transport in West Brabant, which is operated by Arriva, will be electric. We are very proud of this. It aligns with our goal to operate completely CO2-neutral in Brabant by 2027.”

Years of partnership

“Arriva and VDL have been partners for many years and work together to achieve Europe's zero-emission goals. Thanks to the good collaboration, we have completed many successful projects together. The recurring trust from Arriva in our product and our company characterizes this partnership, and we are fully committed to delivering and operating our products to the satisfaction of Arriva and the province,” said Rob Mol, Director of VDL Bus & Coach Netherlands. “With this order from Arriva, we further strengthen our position in the field of electric public transport.” 

About Arriva

Arriva Netherlands is part of the Arriva Group. Arriva provides passenger transport and is active in ten European countries. In the Netherlands, Arriva employs approximately 5,500 staff and operates in the provinces of Drenthe, Fryslân, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, North Brabant, Overijssel, and South Holland. In addition to train and bus services, Arriva is active in the Dutch touring car sector under the name Arriva Touring. Arriva Touring also provides transport services at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport.

About VDL Bus & Coach

The core activities of VDL Bus & Coach consist of the development, production, sales, aftersales, and service of a wide range of public transport buses and coaches. VDL Bus & Coach comprises several operating companies that are collectively active in the global market. Production takes place in Europe. High on the agenda are quality, safety, sustainability, the environment, low energy consumption, comfort, and low maintenance costs. In the transition to zero-emission transport, VDL Bus & Coach offers complete solutions. Sales of VDL Bus & Coach products are carried out through a network of own branches, importers, and agents in more than 30 countries. Customers can rely on quick and efficient handling for aftersales, service, and maintenance by staff at one of the many service points. An extensive distribution network ensures that spare parts are delivered as quickly as possible to their destination. VDL Bus & Coach has now grown into one of the leading bus manufacturers in Europe.