Turkish bus manufacturer AKIA has begun delivering 100 bi-articulated Ultra LF25 buses to Istanbul’s public transport operator, IETT, for use on the city’s Metrobus bus rapid transit (BRT) network.
The 25-metre-long vehicles are being introduced in batches, with the remaining deliveries expected to be completed in the coming months. AKIA secured the contract following a tender for 100 metrobuses.
Istanbul’s Metrobus network spans approximately 52 kilometres and serves 44 stations, including seven on the Asian side of the city and 37 on the European side. The system operates around the clock across six routes and carries approximately one million passengers daily.
The new buses are intended to increase capacity and improve operations during peak hours. They will join 132 AKIA Ultra LF25 vehicles delivered to IETT in 2022 and 2023.
Each Ultra LF25 has a stated capacity of 270 passengers per journey. The buses feature outward-opening doors to support passenger boarding and alighting at busy stations, alongside air conditioning and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Safety-related equipment includes a mirror camera system and digital displays designed to reduce blind spots. The vehicles are powered by a 375kW Euro 6 engine and feature a steerable fifth axle to improve manoeuvrability. An electric fan radiator system is also designed to support fuel efficiency.
The deliveries will expand the presence of AKIA’s bi-articulated buses on one of Istanbul’s main public transport corridors.
