Minsk Automobile Works displays future models of public transportation
Four novelties were on show to journalists at the open day: the MAZ-203965 gas-fuelled urban bus; the well known MAZ-203 urban bus, with updated interior (made for Mosgortrans); the new MAZ-232 for commuters and long-distance transportation; and a five-door jointed trolley bus — the МАЗ-215Т (like the yellow buses used in Minsk during the Ice Hockey World Championship).
New urban passenger buses presented by Minsk automobile builders
The Chief Designer of MAZ JSC buses, Yuri Syrokvash, can talk about his novelties for hours. He tells us, “This gas-fuelled bus has unsurpassed fuel efficiency on the Russian market. In Tolyatti, this summer, at very high operational speeds, it needed just 33.5 cubic centimetres of gas per 100km. In Kazan, with its winter temperatures of minus 20°С, in slow moving traffic, with full heating and illumination, it used just 50 cubic centimetres. It’s a phenomenal result. Such buses cost more initially but, under Russian programmes of subsidy, the federal budget will pay the difference. Availability of infrastructure may also present problems, but Gazprom has undertaken an obligation to provide fuelling stations and is doing so, including in Belarus.”
Regional transport organisations are interested in MAZ-232 buses, which can transport 33-35 passengers, and be used for tourists. However, the model is expensive (around 15 percent more than previous models, which are no longer in production. Of course, to keep up to date, it’s necessary to ensure full comfort; this sometimes means a compromise on price.
The new jointed trolley bus is the only five-door model in the CIS: a feature considerably accelerating time spent boarding and alighting. At a cost of Br4.5 billion, the model is expensive, with a MAZ chassis assembled at Eton plant. “Negotiations are underway for supply of equipment by Belkommunmash,” notes Mr. Syrokvash. “Transport workers would like to see this happen, since most Belarusian trolley buses come from this manufacturer.” The trolley bus is currently gaining certification, and should be ready for launch by the end of the year.
