Bus manufacturer IVECO BUS has been chosen by Grand Reims for their electric bus rapid transit initiative.

Grand Reims Mobilité Announces Zero-Emission Bus Rapid Transit Project

The urban community of Grand Reims, located in the Champagne region of France, has selected IVECO BUS - Mobility consortium for its zero-emission bus rapid transit (BRT) project. The project, set to begin operation on the "les Sacres" Lane in the autumn of 2025, involves the creation of two bus rapid transit lines.

The Grand Reims Mobilité network will see the introduction of 20 electrified GX 437 ELEC LINIUM BRT buses, delivered by Iveco Bus. The company was chosen for its expertise in electromobility and high-service buses. With an option for nine additional units, the total fleet could reach 29 electric BRT buses.

Line 1 will connect the future NEOMA Business School / ESAD campus in the Port Colbert district and the University of Reims Champagne Ardenne - Moulin de la Housse, passing through the Reims central station and the "les Sacres" lane. Line 2 will connect the Reims central station and the town of Cormontreuil, passing through the Châtillons district.

The interior of the buses features large glass surfaces, translucent knuckle bellows, coloured LED ambient lighting, information screens, and USB ports for passenger use. For safety and efficiency, the vehicles will be equipped with a camera rearview system, replacing traditional exterior mirrors, and their range is ensured by high-energy capacity batteries.

The adaptation of the Grand Reims bus network depot is necessary to accommodate the electric vehicles. Mobility will work closely with Grand Reims services, consulting design offices, and the network operator to ensure safety and transport service continuity during the installation of the charging infrastructure. Mobility will deploy a charging infrastructure with 32 charging points to accommodate the long-term capacity for electric vehicles at the Huet depot.

To manage the load effectively, the charging schedule for several dozen electric vehicles is calculated based on service timetables, vehicle characteristics, weather conditions, and electricity tariffs. The Cway control software, provided by Mobility, will help manage the network, ensuring it functions properly and achieves energy savings.

Giorgio Zino, Head of IVECO BUS Europe Commercial Operations, has stated that IVECO BUS is the reference partner for the project, due to the relevance of their offer in terms of high-service buses and expertise in electromobility. The 20 electric BRT buses have a large passenger capacity, accommodating up to 142 people. The deployment of the Cway monitoring and smart charging software will enable the network operator to control the equipment and optimize vehicle charging.

This zero-emission bus rapid transit project is a significant step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation system in the Grand Reims region. The new buses are expected to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment for the city's residents.

Bus manufacturer IVECO BUS has been chosen by Grand Reims for their electric bus rapid transit initiative.