Like other intermediate Colombian cities, the problem of urban transport in Valledupar was the result of the lack of policies that prevented chaos in the operation and that stopped informality in the mobilization of passengers in time. Only at the beginning of the present century, the structuring of the Strategic Public Transport Systems (SETP), designed for populations between 300,000 and 600,000 inhabitants, began.
Since the end of 2010, the Valledupar Integrated Public Transport System – SIVA, has been in charge of providing a quality and efficient service in the capital of Cesar, and by 2021 it determined the need to acquire new vehicles to replace units of the traditional component through public tender. The specifications contemplated low-emission buses and a minimum capacity of 16 seated passengers, accessible and with the solutions of modern and inclusive buses. Likewise, demand estimates were adjusted, considering variables such as motorcycle taxis and the growing number of users who have switched from buses to motorcycles.
A process where SIVA, as the managing entity, also assumes the purchase and ownership of the vehicles, preventing the system from being trapped in the need to achieve financial closures and obtain investment commitments, allowing the value of the rate charged to the users per trip made. The amount of the contract amounts to 11.2 million dollars.
The tender began in September 2021, where the proponents submitted offers with diesel, electric and natural gas technologies, which ended up prevailing. The evaluation criteria for SIVA’s offers included legal and financial capacity, experience and technical solvency. The Iveco 70C14G chassis, of Italian origin powered by natural gas, which meets the Euro VI emission standard, will be coupled with bodies for the urban segment built locally for 25 passengers (16 seated + 8 standing + 1 seat for users with reduced mobility).
The engine is 3 liters and is born dedicated to operating with natural gas, it delivers 136HP of power, with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its total length is 7.4 meters, with a wheelbase of 4,350 mm and supports a gross vehicle weight of 7,000Kg. It has disc brakes, ABS and, to highlight, the ESP electronic stability program that will provide maximum active safety.
Iveco’s experience in urban transport projects in cities such as Manizales, Medellín and Cali, allowed it to prove its knowledge in the urban segment. The deliveries of the vehicles to the SIVA operator will be made gradually, between June and September 2022, bringing a new air and dignifying the mobilization of the users of the capital of Cesar