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The Civitas, our low-floor minibus, is also available with electromagnetic retarders. The retarder dissipates a large part of the braking energy, thus relieving the default breaking system. Retarders are therefore often a criterion for public transport tenders in hilly environments. Besides safety concerns, retarders also extend the lifespan of the default braking system.

In our Civitas, the retarders are fully integrated with the default braking system. The retarder enters into force when the footbrake is used, but  it can also be operated independently by a lever near the steering wheel. The retarder is also compatible with the anti-skid braking system (ABS) of the Civitas.

The retarder consists of a casing with several electromagnetic coils. On both sides the retarder is joined with the drive shaft.

Recently,  the Dutch province North Holland took into use 14 Civitas Economy’s. The low floor minibuses will operate as so-called “neighbourhood busses”. Neighbourhood busses are bus services run by local volunteer associations in areas with low population density where (semi-)commercial exploitation of public transport services is not viable.

The Civitas Economy is specifically designed for services like this. The bus combines a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an easily accessible interior.  With its semi low floor, its wide sliding doors, spacious seat layout and a fully equipped drivers’ cabin, the Civitas Economy is a surprisingly comfortable vehicle for both passengers and driver.

Although the busses will be operated by the neighbourhood associations, the bus services are integrated in the timetables of Connexxion, one of the major public transport companies in the Netherlands and the current concessionaire in North Holland . Currently, North Holland has 18 neighbourhood buses, run by a total of ten volunteer associations. Last year,

Hendriks converts its own minibuses, using the TriflexAIR seating and flooring system. “It is this combination of high service and safe and comfortable wheelchair accessible minibuses, which counts for Tax Hendriks’ position as market leader.”