Two neighbouring cities in the Netherlands last week reportedly rolled out the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Europe.

The cities of Eindhoven and Helmond introduced 43 fully electric buses onto its roads, which can fully recharge in half an hour thanks to a new bus terminal in Eindhoven that has been converted from a single diesel garage in to a garage with 43 fast-charging points.

The buses are equipped with a type of pantograph, as used by trams and trolleybuses, which can make contact with the charging point. The Netherlands has never used this technology at such a scale.

‘This is an important step leading to sustainable bus transportation and a glimpse at the future of public transport,’ said Bart Schmeink, CEO of public transport operator Transdev Netherlands.

As the buses are so quiet in operation, each has a tram bell installed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to hear them approaching.

Eindhoven and Helmond are part of the province of North Brabant, which has set a target to have only sustainable public transport operating in the province by 2024.

For more information, visit prnewswire.com.

Image copyright: PRNewsFoto/Transdev