Tender specifications for new buses to be acquired by Palma's EMT bus service include a number of new requirements. The buses will need to have wifi, a USB for charging mobiles and the wherewithal to pay for tickets with bank cards or with a phone. The company is currently working with the regional government on fare harmonisation with the TIB Majorca-wide bus services and on software development to make payments.
Other demands in the tender include improved fire prevention systems, video surveillance and information panels.
EMT will be buying 95 buses that run on natural gas. The budget is 30 million euros and covers the period from this year until 2020. Diesel buses, some up to seventeen years old, are to be phased out. The company says that this will lead to a major reduction in pollutants. Estimates are for an 81% decrease in particulates, a 92% cut in nitrogen oxide and a 63% fall in non-methane hydrocarbons.
The new buses will be longer - 18 metres rather than 12 metres - and they will be articulated (bendy buses). Capacity will increase by 35%. They will all be adapted to the needs of people with reduced mobility.
The tendering manufacturers are Iveco España, Scania Hispania and Evobus Ibérica.
6 comments
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Good news, although cruise ships pollute more. Let’s hope the new buses don’t spontaneously combust though, like the current models.
Britbabe, check out noise cancelling headphones. They really do the trick.
More buses are required to offer a service to holiday visitors, encourage persons to take a bus than to drive. More routes should open for the airport buses.
This is good news. Especially the Gas option. My only grumble would be is why do you need WiFi and stuff on vehicles which for the most part you’re only on for about twenty minutes? In Majorca you have nice scenery to look at unless of course you’re only doing a local to Palma trip. None of the buses in London have WiFi..
Some positives here but also some negatives. Some passengers, like myself, just like to relax and enjoy the journey. I do not like to sit next to ( or even near ) passengers who are talking on their mobile or other gadgets. The constant tapping and chattering is not for me ! A practical consideration - longer buses will surely mean that parking can no longer be allowed on or very near road corners and junctions so that the buses can get round.
This is good news,good for the environment and good for passengers.