First Alstom Aptis for Spain. One e-bus for Aranjuez

First Alstom Aptis e-bus ordered in Spain. The Aranjuez city local operator AISA has signed a contract with Alstom to incorporate the innovative Alstom Aptis e-bus (first serial vehicle displayed in October 2019 at Busworld) into its urban vehicles fleet. The bus was sent in a Spanish roadshow in early 2019.

With this signature, the historical and world heritage city of Aranjuez, some 50 km south of Madrid, will become the first municipality in the Community of Madrid (not considering the capital) to incorporate a 100% high capacity electric vehicle into the Consorcio Regional de Tramportes de la Comunidad de Madrid (Madrid Regional mobility services Consortium).

A test with Alstom Aptis before the order

Contract signature follows a several-days-test in which the bus, manufactured by Alstom, has demonstrated its adaptability, efficiency and perfect integration in the urban environment and within the rest of the operator’s fleet. The Madrid regional operator CRT (Consorcio Regional de Transportes) expects Aptis to enter into service on one of the lines running through the historic centre of the town before the end of the year.

Thanks to its innovative design, Aptis features a berthing system for perfect alignment with the pavement (thanks to 4-wheel steering). The low, completely flat floor and wide double doors allow easy movement and convenient boarding for people with reduced mobility and prams. Equipped with large bay windows along its entire length, Aptis offers 25% more glass surface area than a standard bus and a rear seating area with panoramic views of the city.

With a range of more than 200 km, the vehicles requested by AISA is designed for charging at night at the depot. Aptis is also available for occasional recharging at the end of each line, using either ground-based charging solutions (SRS) or pantograph charging.

Alstom Aptis in France, ready for Paris

To date, Aptis has received several orders from France. It has already been chosen by Paris in the context of Europe’s largest call for tender for electric buses, as well as by the cities of Grenoble, La Rochelle and Toulon. As of September 2018, Aptis is also referenced by the CATP for public purchasing by local authorities. This referencing allows member authorities to order Aptis vehicles directly and simply from the CATP without having to embark on long and costly procedures.

Recently, it started operations in Strasbourg featuring a green iconic livery.

21st century mobility, sustainability is a key issue

“This is the first commercial success of Aptis in Spain, which we hope to be followed by others throughout this year. During the tests carried out in different Spanish cities, our innovative electric bus has generated great expectation both among operators and among users. This contract constitutes a major new step for Alstom, which aims to be the most innovative world actor for sustainable, smart mobility”, highlights Antonio Moreno, Alstom in Spain Managing Director.

“Mobility in the 21st century is sustainable, or it will not be. That is why I am convinced that this first experience will continue. Not only for environmental reasons but, also, because it is a real opportunity to evolve towards a more efficient, sustainable, comfortable and attractive public transport that contributes to decongesting streets and roads said the Minister of Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructures of the Community of Madrid, Ángel Garrido.