Demonstration of the first pioneer Circular bus Concept and Line in Europe

Introduction

Circular economy initiatives may be applied to transportation practices by moving from a product to a service model to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. Dismantling end-of-life means of transport, re-using spare parts, and recycling the materials used to make them is essential.

Design Changes

The design of vehicles also changes in a circular mobility system. Elements like the design of vehicles for remanufacturing, durability, efficiency, and easy maintenance will be of increased importance. An additional benefit of such transformation is the possibility to convert excessive road infrastructure to serve other citizens' needs.

Air Pollution and Health Risks

Air pollution is recognized as an important global health risk factor. In Europe, the most serious pollutants in terms of harm to human health are:

• Particulate matter (PM)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Ground-level ozone (O3)

Transport currently accounts for a quarter of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, and this figure continues to rise as demand grows. The European Green Deal seeks a 90% reduction in these emissions by 2050. Moving to more sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier, and cleaner alternatives.

LIFE CICLE Project Overview

In the LIFE CICLE project, we combine the transition towards zero-emission transport with the challenge to make the sector more circular.

Major Concepts

LIFE CICLE consists of two major concepts:

1. A circular bus characterized by several retrofitting features such as:

   • The retrofit of an old diesel bus into an electrically powered bus
   • Circular seats
   • Circular technology for tyres

2. A circular bus route characterized by innovative circular bus stops along the lines.

Demonstration and Replication

LIFE CICLE, with the support of local authorities, will be demonstrated on the lines 37/38/90 between Leiden, Katwijk, Noordwijk, and Lisse (Natura 2000 areas).

The LIFE CICLE concept will also be replicated in three areas (close to Natura 2000 sites) during and after the project: in The Netherlands, Italy, and Croatia.