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Volvo Buses has secured a groundbreaking order for 21 electric articulated and bi-articulated buses in Goiânia, Brazil, marking a global first for regular operations of fully electric bi-articulated buses. This deal, facilitated by GreenMob Capital, an investment firm focused on urban mobility, introduces the Volvo BZRT model to the East-West BRT line in Goiânia’s Metropolitan Collective Transport Network. The initiative underscores Brazil’s commitment to sustainable, high-tech public transportation.
Key Highlights
- Historic Milestone: Goiânia becomes the first city worldwide to operate fully electric bi-articulated buses in regular service.
- Order Details: Includes 16 articulated buses (180-passenger capacity) and 5 bi-articulated buses (250-passenger capacity).
- Zero Emissions: All buses produce zero CO₂ emissions and minimal noise, enhancing environmental sustainability.
- Advanced Safety: Equipped with cameras, sensors, traffic sign recognition, Volvo Dynamic Steering, and GPS-based “Safety Zones” for speed control in high-risk areas.
- Local Production: Buses manufactured at Volvo’s industrial complex in Curitiba, Brazil.
- Delivery Timeline: Scheduled for 2025, setting a global benchmark for electric bus operations.
The Volvo BZRT buses, designed for efficiency and passenger comfort, feature dual-side doors, air conditioning, and integration into Goiânia’s unified fare system. Their advanced safety systems include cameras and sensors to monitor blind spots, protecting pedestrians and cyclists, while Volvo Dynamic Steering enhances maneuverability. The “Safety Zones” system uses GPS to automatically reduce speed near sensitive areas like schools and hospitals, prioritizing safety.
GreenMob Capital’s CEO, Gustavo Bacellar de Faria, emphasized the transformative impact of this initiative, stating that the buses bring cutting-edge technology to Goiânia, combining efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. The deal, supported by Suécia Veículos and Volvo Financial Services, strengthens Brazil’s urban mobility infrastructure. Goiânia’s BRT system, serving 12 million passengers monthly and projected to reach 17 million, spans 50 km across the East-West and North-South corridors, connecting key regions like Trindade and Senador Canedo.
According to André Marques, President of Volvo Buses Latin America, this sale positions Goiânia as a leader in decarbonizing public transport. The 28-meter-long bi-articulated buses will be the largest electric vehicles in daily operation globally, offering a model for sustainable urban transport worldwide.
A Step Toward Sustainable Urban Future
This initiative reflects Volvo Buses’ commitment to innovation and sustainability. By introducing zero-emission, high-capacity buses, Goiânia sets a precedent for cities aiming to reduce carbon footprints while improving public transport efficiency. The project’s success could inspire similar transitions across Latin America and beyond, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change through advanced, eco-friendly transportation solutions.
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