New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz has delivered 56 Citaro hybrid low-floor city buses to Kyma Mobilità, the public transport operator in Taranto, Apulia, in Italy. These buses are approximately 12 meter long and sport the signature red, white, and blue paintwork of Kyma Mobilità.
Giorgia Gira, President of Kyma Mobilità, said, “This is a significant bus procurement for us, marking decades of progress. The 56 Citaro hybrid buses represent Mercedes-Benz’s latest generation vehicles, featuring equipment that greatly enhances safety and comfort for our drivers and passengers. In less than three years, our local transport company has replaced over half of its fleet, making it one of Italy’s youngest and most eco-friendly city bus fleets with an average age of under five years, providing sustainable mobility to Taranto’s citizens.”
The Mercedes-Benz Citaro Hybrid combines high performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. These city buses, designed for urban areas, are powered by a 220 kW (299 hp) six-cylinder OM 936 h diesel engine with a 7.7-liter displacement and a 6-speed ZF Ecolife 2 automatic transmission. The engine compartment features an automatic fire warning and extinguishing system.
The compact hybrid energy storage module is located on the rear roof for space-saving and safety during accidents. It requires minimal maintenance. A 14 kW electric motor acts as a generator during braking, converting kinetic energy into electricity, stored in supercapacitors or “supercaps” known for their high power density. The Citaro hybrid employs a separate 48-volt electrical system for low-voltage technology, enhancing safety. Auxiliary units use conventional power sources.
The electric motor doesn’t increase the vehicle’s output but supports the combustion engine during high power demands, reducing diesel consumption by up to 8.5%. This translates to decreased air pollution and a healthier urban environment in Taranto.
Kyma Mobilità’s new Citaro hybrid buses are 12.135 meters long, providing seating for 26 passengers and standing room for 81. The middle entrance door is designed for swift passenger access. A manually operated wheelchair ramp serves passengers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users and parents with strollers. An EvoCool Basic roof-mounted air-conditioning system maintains comfortable temperatures inside.
Safety remains a top priority for Kyma Mobilità. Drivers have an unobstructed view of the bus and its surroundings. A video surveillance system with five interior cameras, an external side camera at the entrance, a reversing camera, and four door cameras transmit real-time images. Additional cameras are used for dynamic accident reconstruction, and a “red button” triggers alarm signals directly to Kyma Mobilità’s operations center. All vehicles are equipped with a satellite positioning system to maintain constant contact with the company’s operations center.
