Volvo bussed into Bogotá

has received an order for 118 articulated buses for one of the world's largest rapid transit systems in

, bringing Volvo’s market share there to over 50 percent.

Bogotá’s public transport system, Transmilenio is a Bus Rapid Transit or BRT operation. Buses drive in separate bus lanes on a number of routes through the city, with passengers paying in advance at bus stops.

With bad traffic congestion in Bogotá, high-capacity passenger buses are an important component of the Transmilenio. Volvo initially delivered 320 articulated buses in 2000 when the system was launched.

"With the ability to transport more people per bus, fuel consumption and emissions are reduced," said Per Gabell, head of Volvo Buses in Latin America. "Moreover, as more people choose to leave their cars at home and ride the bus instead, that will further improve the environment for the people of Bogotá."

Phase three of the Transmilenio system is now under construction. Volvo Buses has received an order for 118 of its B12MA articulated buses from Conexión Móvil, Express del Futuro and Metrobus, all of whom operate on the transport system. The buses are equipped with Volvo's mid-mounted, 12-litre, 340-hp Euro 3 D12D engine.

Bus chassis are being sent in kits from the Volvo Buses plant in Curitiba, Brazil and assembled by GM Colmotores, the company's importer in Colombia. The bodies are built by two coach manufacturers in Colombia, Superpolo and Busscar.

Deliveries from Curitiba have already commenced and are anticipated to continue through October.