Residents of Bolesławiec noticed a new bus operating around the city. The vehicle stands out not only because of its color scheme, but also because of its larger dimensions and modern appearance. As it turns out, this is not yet a new purchase by the Municipal Transport Company, but rather a test bus, which will be tested in daily operation for several days.
MZK President Andrzej Jagiera explained to the istotne.pl website that the vehicle had been made available to the municipal company for testing. It is a new model of electric bus by Solaris, approximately 10.5 meters long, larger than the electric buses currently used in Bolesławiec.
The new bus can carry more than 70 passengers, has a fully low-floor design and three doors, which is intended to improve passenger boarding and alighting while stopped at bus stops. According to MZK, this may also lead to better punctuality, particularly during peak hours.
Currently, Bolesławiec is served primarily by nine-meter electric buses and ten-meter vehicles with diesel engines. As the company president acknowledges, this newer model may better meet the needs of the City of Ceramics.
And if the bus in question proves successful, the company will no longer buy smaller electric buses in the future.
Where is the new bus being tested?
The tests are being conducted on all public transport routes, although MZK is paying particular attention to routes with the heaviest passenger loads and problems maneuvering at tight turnarounds. The main focus is on how the bus performs in places where larger vehicles have difficulty turning around and passing through.
A new model, a new look
The new bus also attracted residents’ attention because of its appearance. The vehicle differs from the current fleet in its color scheme and styling details.
The bus was previously presented at a trade fair in Milan, and has now arrived for testing in Polish cities. Bolesławiec managed to secure it for approximately a week and a half.
The first opinions from drivers and passengers are positive. Drivers praise the comfort of driving the vehicle, while residents point to the greater amount of space and the bus’s modern appearance.
The bus will operate around Bolesławiec until next Saturday. MZK announces that during this time the vehicle is expected to appear on practically all routes, allowing its capabilities to be thoroughly assessed under different urban traffic conditions.
What do you think of it? Have you already had a chance to ride it? We invite you to join the discussion.