TQM modernises bus fleet for the Valašské Meziříčí region

The company TQM - holding s.r.o. (TQM) continues to renew its fleet of buses for the region of Valašské Meziříčí. This May, it will put six new Iveco Crossway LE Line 12 m buses into service, thereby fulfilling the condition of the maximum average age of the vehicles set by the Technical and Operational Standards of the Public Transport Coordinator of the Zlín Region. The new buses will contribute to safer operation, higher comfort for passengers and better working conditions for drivers. The yellow TQM buses serve more than 2.5 million passengers annually in the Valašské Meziříčí region.

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The new vehicles were manufactured at the Iveco Bus factory in Vysoké Mýto and are equipped with the modern ADAS road safety technology, Tector 7 engine unit complying with the Euro 6 step E emission standard and ZF mechanical gearbox with a new generation TELMA retarder ensuring smoother shifting and more efficient operation. The buses have a capacity of 45 seats plus a driver's seat, a dedicated space for a stroller and the possibility of transporting one wheelchair. Barrier-free access is complemented by the APEX information system for the blind, which provides better orientation for people with visual disabilities.

LCD panels, an audio announcement system and air conditioning for passengers are installed in the interior. Strengthened thermal insulation of the body contributes to maintaining a comfortable interior temperature during all seasons. The buses are also equipped with LED lighting with lower energy consumption, cameras at the back doors and a 12V power socket for connecting accessories. The driver's working environment is made more comfortable by a built-in refrigerator.

In addition, the new buses are in Iveco's latest facelift, which means an upgraded exterior and interior. These are a type of vehicle that has not been in TQM's fleet before, and the company expects that their introduction into service will bring new elements of comfort and safety to passengers and drivers. All vehicles will have TQM's characteristic yellow colour and are scheduled to enter service in May this year.

"Fleet renewal is an essential part of our public transport strategy. Compliance with the required age of the vehicles is not only a commitment to the Zlín Region, but above all a step towards improving the quality of services we provide to passengers. The new buses bring a higher standard of comfort, efficiency and safety," said Stanislav Brožek, Director of Passenger Transport at TQM.

The supplier of the buses is KAR group, a.s.

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TQM - holding s.r.o. has been providing public passenger transport services in public line transport for the region of Valašské Meziříčí since the beginning of 2021, with 22 regular lines, which are part of the Integrated Transport of the Zlín Region. From June 2022, TQM also provides public transport services for the town of Valašské Meziříčí and the villages of Krhová and Poličná.

KAR group, a.s. is a part of OSTRA GROUP a.s., which deals with services for bus and truck transport. It is one of the largest authorized dealers of Iveco Bus. Last year KAR group delivered a total of 133 buses (including chassis) to the Czech market.