Set to transform travel on Paseo de la Reforma, ADL is gearing up to launch Latin America’s very first fleet of high capacity, low-floor, low emission double deck buses, by the end of 2016.
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) will supply a fleet of 90 Enviro500 three-axle, high specification double deck vehicles next year for Mexico City’s most iconic route. This new 15km route (Line 7) from Indios Verdes to Periférico will carry over 100,000 passengers per day, from the end of 2016.
At an event in Mexico City on Wednesday 28th October 2015, details of the new route and the revolutionary fleet of double deck buses were discussed by senior officials. In attendance, the UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Francis Maude; Mobility Secretary, Hector Serrano Cortés; CEO of Metrobús, Guillermo Calderon; UK Ambassador to Mexico, Duncan Taylor CBE; top representatives from the two bus operators, Martha Patiño Gutiérrez and Jesús Padilla Zenteno and senior officers from ADL.
The award to ADL follows a successful trial with a demonstrator vehicle in Mexico City during the third quarter of 2014. This trial demonstrated the technical capability of the Enviro500, the emission reduction per passenger transported, increased seating capacity and high level of passenger comfort. Metrobús and an independent market research agency analysed the reliability, comfort, quality, performance, occupancy levels, operational features, passenger flow and feedback, with 98% confirming they would like to see Enviro500 buses on Mexico City roads. In addition to making a bold statement as a forward-looking, contemporary city, introducing this fleet of lightweight, reliable Enviro500 double deck buses will immediately benefit Mexico City. The compact footprint of a double deck occupies less road space reducing congestion, while the latest technology in the EPA15 engine combined with the lightweight aluminium structure reduces emissions and improves street level air quality. These low-floor, accessible vehicles can carry 130 passengers, of which 86 are seated.
With a 66% seating capacity, the Enviro500 has more than twice the number of seats of an articulated bus. Transporting the highest number of passengers, seated in comfort and safety, was a critical part of Metrobús’s decision to select the double deck solution from ADL. Passenger flow is optimised on board with a spacious lower saloon for wheelchair passengers and those with buggies or luggage. ADL’s “squarecase” staircase has been engineered for ease of passenger movement to and from the upper saloon. The new vehicles will offer an outstanding travel experience in the upper saloon where passengers will be able to enjoy the sights of Paseo de la Reforma, work, read and relax in a peaceful and comfortable environment. In line with ADL’s global business model to provide best-in-class aftermarket support close to the customer, the double deck fleet will have a five year full maintenance agreement, with parts, support, training and diagnostic tools provided by Alexander Dennis Mexico (ADMX).
Guillermo Calderon, Chief Executive of Metrobús, commented, “I am confident that the ADL Enviro500 double deck solution is the best fit for Mexico City in terms of immediate congestion reduction, environmental benefits and providing a solution to transport the highest number of passengers, seated in comfort and safety. No other form of transport can demonstrate our city’s strong commitment to reducing congestion while lowering fuel consumption and emissions. This will greatly improve the lives of all inhabitants and visitors alike.
We are proud to know that we have a fleet that is on par with the most advanced and modern cities. This confidence is also shared by Colin Robertson, Chief Executive of ADL who stated “Our Enviro500 has earned an international reputation as a vehicle that brings a new dimension to transport services through increased ridership, profitability and lower operating costs. The Enviro500 has revolutionised high capacity passenger transport, making us absolute market leader in various global markets including the UK and Hong Kong, as well as forming the backbone of many fleets in international cities across North America, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand. Our proving ground is the most congested global cityscapes and our greatest critics are ourselves as we strive to continually innovate. The Enviro500 is acknowledged as being unbeatable in terms of fuel efficiency, reliability and best-in-class whole life costs. We are delighted to be delivering this solution to Mexico City next year.”