The prototype of the first bus of the Mondego Mobility System (SMM) is ready to be shipped from China, where the fleet is being produced, to Portugal, Metro Mondego (MM) revealed.
Initially scheduled for December 2023, the delivery of the bus was postponed due to the option of installing the optical guidance system in the factory.
The installation and calibration process of this system has determined when the vehicle is set to be boarded, which is expected to happen in the next few days.
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After arrival in Portugal, the vehicle integration testing phase in the SMM will begin, to be carried out in the section Serpins – Alto de São João.
These deadlines do not affect the date of entry into operation of the first phase of the system, which is still planned for the end of this year.
The buses, articulated, electric and with about 18 meters of length, as well as the battery charging system were awarded by MM to the company Energia Fundamental – Mobilidade Elétrica Lda., in an investment of EUR 40.5 million in vehicles and equipment, plus a charge of EUR 12.7 million, relating to maintenance services during the 15 years of service life of the vehicles.
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The planned fleet for the start of the operation comprises 35 buses, and there is still the option of acquiring a maximum of 5 additional buses which can subsequently be exercised by the MM.
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