LibertyBus has announced the arrival of the first of its 22 new buses that will be entering service in the coming weeks.
The new diesel engine buses will replace 22 of the oldest fleet, removing old Euro III emission buses to the latest Euro VI ultra-low emission buses.
These vehicles represent approximately £5m initial investment by LibertyBus, which is the first of its investments over the life of the 10-year contract awarded earlier this year.
LibertyBus searched the continent for the most suitable buses for the Island and found Turkish manufacturer Otokar with what we feel is the right vehicle for the Island given the narrow width restrictions in place. These buses are predominantly used across Europe and the Otokar Vectio C are the first of this type to be operated in the British Isles.
Otokar’s 9.6-metre medium-size low-entry bus, is designed to offer an ideal balance of compact dimensions and high passenger capacity—making it exceptionally well-suited for both busy urban streets and narrow, challenging road networks. Its agile structure and optimised turning radius provide outstanding manoeuvrability, giving drivers full confidence even in tight city environments.
Berkan Sağlam, Otokar’s Head of International Sales (Bus Division) commented: “The Euro 6 engine sets a benchmark in environmentally friendly public transport with reduced emissions and improved efficiency. Reflecting Otokar’s strong commitment to safety, Vectio C is engineered with a safety-first philosophy and fully complies with the latest GSR II safety standards, meeting Europe’s most advanced regulatory requirements.
“Working with the LibertyBus team, the Government of Jersey and the wider Tower Transit Group has been an opportunity for our business to break in to the British Isles market, and exiting times with the franchising of bus networks right across the UK.”
There are over 5000 Otokar buses in operation across Europe and they operate right hand drive buses in Malta.
Kevin Hart, Director of LibertyBus, highlighted the importance of this transition to ultra-low emission buses, stating: “We are thrilled to introduce new buses to the LibertyBus fleet. This represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. This not only aligns with our environmental responsibilities but also enhances the overall travel experience for our passengers.”
