27 VDL Synergy double deck coaches feature as part of Bus Éireann’s new fleet of the future VDL Bus & Coach is currently delivering 27 VDL Synergy double deck commuter coaches to Bus Éireann – Ireland’s largest national bus and coach network. These deluxe double deck coaches are part of a very significant investment in Bus Éireann’s fleet by the National Transport Authority in Ireland, to fund a reliable and comfortable new fleet of the future. The VDL Synergys were officially delivered by VDL Bus & Coach in the presence of Mr P.W.A. Schellekens, Netherlands Ambassador to Ireland, on January 15 last, as part of Bus Éireann's official launch of their new fleet. Bus Éireann's Chief Mechanical Engineer, Joe Neiland said the VDL fleet proved a very good choice: ‘‘These coaches were included in our new fleet purchase due to the excellent fuel economy, reliability and optimal comfort they provide.” The VDL Synergy double deck coaches will be used for commuter services in the Greater Dublin Area. Synergy SDD-141 The VDL Synergy luxury double deck coaches supplied to Bus Éireann are the 14.1 metre version build on a VDL SBR-4000 chassis, powered by a DAF MX-13 375 Euro 6 engine through a ZF AS Tronic automatic gearbox equipped with the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). They have excellent wheelchair access through the mid door by means of a manual folding ramp. The Synergy’s are also equipped with destination equipment, a payment table, a ticket machine, a full CCTV system, WIFI, 220 Volt power sockets, USB power sockets and comfortable leather trimmed seating. Bus Éireann Bus Éireann is the Irish national coach and bus company, and last year recorded over 81 million passenger journeys. The company is a significant contributor to the Irish economy, employing almost 10,000 people directly and indirectly across Ireland, including approximately 1,200 staff drivers. The company operates a fleet of in the region of 1,000 vehicles. VDL Citea LLE buses for Aachen At the end of December 2015 VDL Bus & Coach delivered 5 Citea LLE buses to ASEAG (Aachner Straßenbahn und Energieversorgungs-AG). ASEAG is responsible for public transport in and around the city of Aachen. One VDL Citea LLE bus has already been in use as part of a trial, since November 2014. During this test phase, the Citea LLE demonstrated that its lightweight construction does indeed result in lower fuel consumption and as a consequence lower emissions of harmful substances. VDL Citea LLE: an innovative lightweight concept The main focus of the VDL bus with a lightweight construction is reduced fuel consumption and as a consequence lower overall emission levels. Nonetheless, the buses still of course meet the highest safety standards. Given today’s huge pressure on costs, opting for the VDL lightweight concept is a logical step for public transport operators that have set themselves the dual goal of delivering optimum passenger transport services and reducing harmful emissions. ASEAG For more than 130 years, ASEAG has been responsible for public transport in and around Aachen. The company’s original goal still applies to this day: delivering tailor-made mobility solutions. In a deployment area that takes up some 520 km2, more than 220,000 passengers are carried, every day.