Masoud Salimjohari, the Deputy of Operations at Tehran Bus Company, announced in a television interview the new plans of this company to increase passenger transport capacity in the capital. According to him, the development of public transport has been a priority since the beginning of the current urban management period, and the bus company is striving to improve the quality of services to citizens by utilizing new buses.
Introduction of 26-Meter Buses to the Fleet
Salimjohari stated that the use of 26-meter buses (Metrobus) has been proposed as one of the options to increase passenger transport capacity. Based on studies by specialized consultants, the first line of rapid buses, which covers the distance from Azadi Square to Tehranpars Crossroad, has been designated for the operation of these buses. Stations, boarding and alighting areas for passengers, roads, and intersections have been carefully examined, and technical and operational tests have also been conducted on specific lines.
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Bus Fleet Electrification Project
The electrification project of Tehran's bus fleet has moved beyond the planning and study phase and has now entered the implementation phase. Currently, more than 500 electric buses are operational in the city center. Additionally, two three-cabin electric buses (Metrobus) have arrived at customs and will be added to Tehran's bus fleet after clearance. Salimjohari emphasized that the procurement of new buses is based on comprehensive planning and technical assessments, and contracts have been signed with domestic companies for the production of the required buses.
It is important to note that part of the required fleet, including electric buses and 2 and 3 cabin models, has been sourced from China due to the lack of similar technology or production capacity in the country. This import not only incurs purchasing costs but also requires investment for technology transfer and creating the conditions for utilizing this equipment in the country's public transport network.
Salimjohari also pointed out that the 26-meter buses do not mean the phasing out of 18-meter buses, and the schedule for rapid lines is set based on dispatching buses approximately every 2 minutes. The supply of spare parts, repairs, and technical support for the 26-meter buses is also planned within the framework of contracts with the manufacturer and the establishment of after-sales service representation.
Despite the existing challenges in the country, bus services have not been halted, and even during wartime and siege, the arrival of new vehicles has continued. In recent months, passenger transport on BRT lines has increased by more than 80%, with the free services on rapid lines being one of the effective factors in this growth. Expanding the use of public transport not only helps improve urban mobility but also fosters a culture of citizenship and economic savings.
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