Turkish commercial vehicle manufacturer AKIA has delivered the first batches of its 25-meter bi-articulated Ultra LF25 model to the Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Operations (IETT). The 25 metre long Ultra LF25 will be put into service on Istanbul's Metrobus (BRT) line that carries approximately 1 million passengers daily and is one of the cornerstones of the public transportation network in the city.
AKIA will complete the delivery of the remaining vehicles in the coming months. The company was awarded the order after winning the tender for 100 metrobuses. Istanbul's BRT-line spans roughly 52 kilometres with a total of 44 stations, 7 on the Asian side and 37 on the European side. The BRT-system provides uninterrupted transit across the city via 6 different routes operating 24 hours a day. The addition of new vehicles to the fleet aims to increase transport efficiency on the line during peak hours. The 100 New Metrobuses are added to the already existing Fleet of 132 Vehicles of AKIA’s
Ultra LF25 model which were delivered in 2022–2023. The 25 metre AKIA Ultra LF25 has a capacity of 270 passengers per trip. The outward-opening door system facilitates boarding and alighting at stations with heavy passenger flow. Equipped with an air conditioning system and ADAS technologies, the vehicle supports driving safety by reducing blind spots through its mirror camera system and digital displays. Powered by a Euro 6 375kW engine, the Ultra LF25 enhances manoeuvrability with its steerable 5th axle. The vehicle's electric fan radiator system contributes to fuel efficiency.