De Lijn approves order of 60 new electric buses for Flanders, Belgium

The board of De Lijn – the public transport authority and operator in Flanders, Belgium – has announced that it has approved the order of 60 new electric buses with Van Hool and VDL. The board also approved the purchase of charging infrastructure for e-buses and e-hybrids with two suppliers, Spie-Ekoenergetyka and Heliox.

Part of a framework agreement of 350 e-buses, this order represents an investment of approximately €28 million and is yet another step towards a zero-emission fleet and accompanying infrastructures by 2035. The remainder of the framework agreement (290 out of 350 e-buses) may be ordered following an evaluation of the initial order and in line with De Lijn’s requirements.

Both orders are financed by NextGenerationEU, the European Union’s (EU) COVID-19 recovery plan.

Ann Schoubs, De Lijn‘s Director-General, said: “This tender empowers us to bring on board the most recent e-bus technology. These attractive e-buses meet concrete demands and wishes from our clients. For instance, wheelchair users will be able to board and leave our e-buses independently as they are fitted with electric ramps for easier and faster use. In addition, our board also approved the request to order charging infrastructure for e-buses and e-hybrids. This will allow us to optimally service urban areas emission-free. In short, with the financial means made at our disposal by the Flemish government, we can make a significant first step in our greenification strategy.”

Lydia Peeters, Flemish Mobility and Public Works Minister, added: “This is the first real step by De Lijn in the greenification of public transport in Flanders. A few weeks ago, the Flemish government announced an ambitious climate plan in which public transport plays an important role. In order to reach our climate targets, Flanders will need to draw the card of sustainable transfers. We need to implement a more fluid, safe and environment-friendly public transport.”