Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) President Ekrem İmamoğlu; witnessed the test drive of the environmentally friendly, high-tech, 420-passenger capacity, 100 percent electric metrobus. İmamoğlu, who was accompanied by Eyüpsultan Mayor Mithat Bülent Özmen, Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara, İETT General Manager İrfan Demet and Metro Istanbul General Manager Özgür Soy during the test drive, made statements to journalists about the new generation metrobus before the journey. Stating that the vehicle to be tested was brought to them with the joint work of IETT and Metro Istanbul, İmamoğlu said:
“In our search for a vehicle suitable for the innovation concept on the Metrobus line, we came to a conclusion regarding this model you see. This result was presented to us as a zero-emission vehicle that can be tested and especially its performance on the line and at this point, as long as the metrobus continues in the coming period, it will be easier to use these vehicles, without passenger accumulation, prioritizing passenger comfort, and also reducing air pollution at a very serious level. . Then we decided with our friends that this must go through a very serious testing process. Preparations were made. The transfer of this vehicle was carried out and this line has been on this line for more than 1 month, sometimes at night when there is no traffic at all. Later, experiments were carried out during the daytime. It was built without passengers, it was also tested with passengers and loaded, and it continues to be done. "Today, I will be testing it publicly, together with our people."
“WE WANT TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION”
“Our main wish is this: Of course, the metrobus line will serve our people with efficiency, comfort and reducing passenger congestion. Let me say this; Of course, as you know, metrobus is an important means of transportation that extends from Avcılar to Söğütlüçeşme. It has a daily capacity of over a million passengers. Of course, we also have possible metro lines on this line, which are currently about to be completed, are under construction and will be started. But what will be their contribution to Istanbul transportation over the years? What will we expect from Metrobus lines? What should be the number of such tools that will provide this improvement in the short, medium and long term? Based on all these efficiency calculations, we will mature our opinions about this vehicle. At the end of the day, we want to make the best decision. What attracts us is its high passenger capacity and performance in the field. It has a high passenger capacity of over 400. Currently, our highest capacity vehicle has a capacity of 280 passengers. It has a capacity close to 1,5 times its capacity and of course it is a zero-emission vehicle. We will inform you when we mature the other conditions. "Let's see its performance."
EYÜPSULTAN AND AVCILAR MAYORS ALSO WITNESSED
“Today, we start this journey from the borders of Eyüpsultan. Our president is also with us. We will end our journey in Avcılar with our Mayor of Avcılar. Our two district mayors will also witness the starting and finishing points. I hope we are making the right choice for the people of Istanbul. Our basic principle in such events is; This is the sustainability and durability of a business... As you know, there have been many negativities before. Vehicles were purchased and became incompatible. The vehicles could not go. He couldn't climb the hill. Part not found. The vehicles subsequently virtually disappeared from circulation. And it had to be left to rot into scrap, so to speak. What I'm talking about is an unfortunate story from 16-17 years ago. But we try to do all our work very carefully and meticulously. Because every penny we give is our nation's money. That's why we strive to invest in the right way. “I hope it will be beneficial.”
40 METERS LONG, WITH 4 WAGONS
According to the information given by IETT General Manager Demet; Providing 60 percent fuel savings compared to diesel metrobuses, electric metrobuses save 100 million liras of fuel per 2,5 thousand kilometers. Planning to prevent 300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions with this investment, IMM will protect both the environment and the municipal budget. Also electric metrobus; By operating silently, it will also prevent noise pollution in the city. The new generation electric metrobus, which allows two-way driving, is 40 meters long and has 4 wagons. Its passenger carrying capacity is 50 percent more than the longest vehicle in the metrobus fleet and has the capacity to carry 420 people. The range of the test vehicle is approximately 80 kilometers. Thanks to the modular battery structure, more batteries can be added for longer range. With 800 kW power, an average range of 20 kilometers can be achieved with 50 minutes of charging.
RECEIVED A WEDDING INVITATION DURING THE TEST DRIVE
After the statements, İmamoğlu and his accompanying delegation boarded the new generation metrobus. Citizens waiting at Metrobus stops showed affection by waving to İmamoğlu, whom they saw in the test vehicle. Citizens who wished along the line from Cennet Mahallesi to Avcılar were also taken to the tested vehicle. With İmamoğlu and press members sohbet Citizens shared their opinions about the new vehicle. A young teacher, who got into the test vehicle at Şükrübey Station, invited İmamoğlu to his wedding to be held on May 26. The journey, which started from Edirnekapı İETT Garage in Eyüpsultan, ended successfully at Avcılar Campus Stop, witnessed by journalists.