The old diesels have already driven more than 1,000,000 kilometers and are already a few years past their expiration date. But they can still serve well in Cuba, Malta and Albania. Connexxion’s diesel buses are being replaced by electric models from EBS. The originally Israeli carrier EBS will take over Zaan bus transport in 2024.
Older buses from NZH, Arriva and Connexion are already driving abroad. “In Albania they hang a different license plate, but the advertising and travel information remains,” says a spokesperson for Conexxion. “The advertising for the cinema in Zaandam is often still there.”
Due to corona, the buses were allowed to run for two years longer due to an emergency concession with the Amsterdam transport region. That is why the buses have been running for twelve years instead of ten years. Last week a Connexxion bus collapsed, but according to the company this is not due to overdue maintenance. The buses first undergo an MOT inspection and are then allowed to hit the road. “It’s a strange accident, but as buses get older you can have these types of incidents,” the spokesperson said.
EBS, which will take over the route in 2023, has already ordered a completely new fleet. The first will arrive in December. EBS is an Israeli company but the buses are built in the Netherlands, therefore no delay in the order is expected.