Keolis launches a bus network with alternative energy buses in the Greater Copenhagen region
In April 2020, Public Transport Authority Movia awarded Keolis a ten-year contract (with a two-year extension option) to operate and maintain the Greater Copenhagen region bus network. The network was launched on 27 June 2021 and includes 24 routes. It serves five towns on Zealand, the largest and most populous of Denmark's islands with 2.5 million inhabitants, as well as the island of Falster.
The fleet comprises 59 buses, 42 of which are fully electric. The 5.9 million kilometres the partially electric fleet is expected to cover per year will translate into savings of some 4,500 tonnes of CO2 annually. For the launch, a new depot has been built in the south of the island (in Korsør), and three other depots have been equipped with the infrastructure needed to recharge the electric buses simultaneously. Night-time charging takes six hours, providing the vehicles with a range of around 350 km, depending on operating conditions.
In addition, the 160 drivers and maintenance personnel have all received special training focusing on safety, eco-driving and recharging, as well as preventive and corrective maintenance so they can operate and maintain these new buses.
