03/13/2008

Trial run of the world’s first 24m bi-articulated hybrid bus from Hess and Vossloh

STOAG tests 24m bus in fixed-route service

In March 2008, the STOAG (Public Transport System Oberhausen AG) will be testing the everyday practicality of the world’s first 24m long bi-articulated hybrid bus from Hess and Vossloh Kiepe in a fixed-route service. As of Thursday, the sixth of March 2008, the vehicle will be used on the SB 92 express bus route.

Parts of the SB 92 route have their own lanes, so that the hybrid bus’s efficiency can be demonstrated without interference from private vehicles.

The vehicle’s built-in energy storage capacitors enable the storing of braking energy, which can then be used for restarting. This process leads to a substantial reduction of noise and exhaust emissions and thus makes an important contribution in environmental protection.

The 24m long bi-articulated hybrid bus has a clearly higher passenger capacity (up to 200 persons per vehicle) as compared to other busses. The SB 92 route includes the popular “Centro” shopping centre (among other places), thus the hybrid bus can also present its advantages here as well.

Düsseldorf, March 2008