APTS Advanced Public Transport Systems bv (NL)

Steenovenweg 1
NL- 5708HN Helmond - Netherlands

Apts stands for 'Advances Public Transport Systems'. A name and a mission: the development of advanced transport solutions for public services. The company was established in 1998 at Helmond, in the south of Holland. Today Apts is owned 70 percent by the Dutch group VDL Bus & Coach, 18 percent by Simac Techniek NV (Dutch company that provides technology solutions to medium and large companies) and 12 percent by Noord-Brabant Development Agency, an regional agency of investments.
Apts designs and manufactures an innovative mobility system called Phileas. This is a high-frequency modes on dedicated lanes by using a vehicle with parallel hybrid propulsion system GM Allison equipped with Euro 4 diesel engine and generator (also available in trolley with electric equipment by Vossloh-Kiepe). The energy recovered during braking is stored in special batteries. The guidance system is electronic and allows automated approach to stops by using a series of magnetic markers placed in the roadway. Phileas is completely low-floor, equipped with steering wheels and features a design like a tram. It is produced in 18-meter articulated version or 24 and 26 meters with double articulation. The capacitiy ranges from a minimum of 103 to a maximum of 185 passengers.