A two-axle Mercedes-Benz Intouro M with 63 seats and standing room for 37 passengers has been the new showpiece in Begonia Reizen’s fleet from Lochristi since the beginning of 2023. It is the first vehicle of the bus company from the Belgian province of East Flanders to be registered with standing room. In its first weeks of operation, the multifunctional, 13-meter intercity bus has already become the most used vehicle in Begonia Reizen's fleet, which comprises a total of 23 touring coaches.

Founded in 1957 by Oscar Bracke, Begonia Reizen is a family-owned business that is now in its third generation. Plant transportation has been part of Begonia’s activities for thirty years. However, it was only the COVID-19 crisis and in particular the associated safety regulations that led companies and transport companies such as De Lijn to increasingly ask Begonia Reizen for larger vehicles. The resulting increasing concentration on school bus, swimming trip and plant transportation operations has changed the bus company’s requirement profile for the specification of its vehicles. “We have since grown from a tourism specialist in Belgium and abroad to a company that is at home on all markets,” says bus company operator Bart Bracke.

The new Mercedes-Benz Intouro M is Begonia Reizen's first vehicle that has also been approved for standing passengers. This increases its operational capability, especially as a feeder bus in plant transportation. It immediately established itself in this segment as the most frequently used vehicle in the fleet. Comfortable, pleasant driving characteristics and low fuel consumption – Begonia Reizen is completely satisfied.

The bus company is also enthusiastic about the extensive safety features of the Intouro M. In addition to the reversing camera, it particularly praises Sideguard Assist, which makes a significant contribution to avoiding critical situations when turning or changing lanes. "In addition, the Intouro M is extremely maneuverable despite its length. Together with the ZF Ecolife 2 six-speed automatic transmission, that is an important advantage, especially in city centers," says Bart Bracke.