The Czech company Skoda has secured two significant contracts to deliver low-floor trolleybuses to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. The total value of the tenders amounts to €56.19 million euros, a substantial increase from the €20 million euro order four years ago when the company delivered 30 Skoda 27Tr low-floor trolleybuses.
The first contract involves the delivery of 35 Skoda 32Tr low-floor trolleybuses, which are 12 meters long and can carry up to 95 passengers, with 35 seats available. These electric buses are equipped with an unspecified traction battery that allows them to operate in areas without overhead lines for up to 12 kilometers on a single charge.
The second contract is larger, with an order for 40 Skoda 27Tr articulated buses. These 18-meter-long buses can carry up to 167 passengers, with 42 seats available. Like the 12-meter model, the 18-meter model is also equipped with a traction battery that enables it to travel up to 15 kilometers in areas without overhead lines. However, the specifics of the battery size for this model have not been disclosed.
The delivery timelines for the two contracts differ, with the 12-meter trolleybuses scheduled to be delivered within 12 months and the 18-meter models within 15 months. It’s important to note that these delivery timelines will commence once the contracts come into force, which is contingent upon confirmation of funding from the European Union. The confirmation of EU funding is a crucial step before the contracts can become effective and the delivery process can begin.
These contracts represent a significant investment in Sofia’s public transportation system, aiming to enhance the city’s infrastructure with modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles. The ability of these trolleybuses to operate in areas without overhead lines, thanks to their traction batteries, adds to their versatility and potential to serve a wider area of the city. Overall, the procurement of these Skoda trolleybuses is a step towards improving Sofia’s transportation network, offering citizens a more convenient, comfortable, and sustainable way to travel.