Van Hool and the 58 bi-articulated hybrid trambuses for Norway

Van Hool is to build 58 trambuses for Trondheim in Norway, where they are set to enter service as from August 2019. The Lier-based bus manufacturer has signed a contract with Nettbuss and Tide, the local operators who run the buses on behalf of AtB, the public transport company in Trondheim, to supply 58 bi-articulated (24-meter long) hybrid (HVO diesel-electric) Exqui.City model double-axle-drive trambuses.

The largest trambus order in Van Hool’s history

These vehicles will be utilised by the two local operators: Nettbuss (44 units) and Tide (14 units). The first 2 vehicles will be delivered in December 2018 (1 vehicle for each operator). All the remaining trambuses will then be delivered between March and June 2019. This is the largest order that Van Hool has ever secured for its trambus, which has been available in the market since 2011 and of which more than 250 vehicles have been ordered in 11 countries to date.

The same trambuses in service in Bergen

The 58 trambuses will be put into service in Trondheim on three routes (two are around 21.5 km and one is around 13.5 km). These trambuses will be maintained by the Busnor Partner WWist in their workshop facility in Trondheim. The maintenance contract, which is to run for 10 years, has been awarded to Busnor, with whom Van Hool will be cooperating closely to offer an optimal bus package: from delivery to comprehensive maintenance throughout this period. In doing so, these two partners will be continuing an existing joint venture: Busnor and Van Hool are working in line with a similar concept in Bergen (Norway), where two trambuses have been in operation since 2014. Filip Van Hool, CEO at Van Hool, responds with satisfaction: “Our buses are our best reference: trambuses currently in service since 2014 in Bergen (Norway), doing so to everyone’s satisfaction, have undoubtedly played a part in Trondheim’s opting for the Exqui.City trambus. It is also a boost for the production facility in Koningshooikt where the trambuses will be built in their entirety. Moreover, this order for 58 high-tech trambuses for Trondheim confirms the part that Van Hool can play as a manufacturer of vehicles with high added value, something in which the firm specialises.”

More capacity for public transport user

Mrs Janne Sollie, CEO at AtB (administration company for public transportation and mobility in TrØndelag, the region and province in central Norway) says : “The bus equipment chosen for the three main lines in Trondheim will definitely increase capacity for the users, improve passenger comfort and will make public transportation more efficient. Together with our two operators: Netbuss and Tide, we are able to offer an efficient and realistic solution for public transport in Trondheim and the surrounding area.” “The purchase of 44 metrobuses (trambuses) by Nettbuss is an important step in the deployment of the new transportation system in Trondheim.” Says Ole Engebret Haugen, CEO at Nettbuss. “We’re really pleased that we can continue expanding our operations in Trondheim, where we have been working with AtB since 2010. And are very happy to participate in one of the most ambitious initiatives within public transport in Skandinavia when it comes to innovation We have good experience working with Van Hool on the buses delivered to Bergen in 2014, therefore we are looking forward to expand our cooperation on the buses for Trondheim.” says Roger Harkestad, CEO at Tide Buss.