From Allison to the challenging routes of Trabzon high performance solution
TULAŞ increases driver and passenger comfort on difficult-to-access lines in the difficult geography of Trabzon with four Isuzu Novociti Life midibuses equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions, which it added to its fleet in January 2025.
Trabzon Transportation Inc., a subsidiary of Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality. (TULAŞ) has strengthened its fleet with four Isuzu Novociti Life midibuses equipped with Allison fully automatic transmission as of January 2025. Especially considering Trabzon’s steep ramps, narrow winding roads, heavy rainfall climate and wide settlement network spread across the countryside, another important step has been taken in terms of both passenger and driver comfort. TULAŞ’s Allison T 3270R xFE
The choice of fully automatic transmission-equipped Isuzu Novociti Life vehicles stands out as part of the strategy to make the public transportation infrastructure more sustainable, efficient and safe.
TULAŞ General Manager Hakan Öztel, in his statement; “Our priority in choosing vehicles is the safety and comfort of our drivers and passengers. For this reason, we prefer the most advanced technologies possible. Our choice of fully automatic transmission in our buses is also a part of this policy,” he said.
Technology suitable for challenging routes
TULAŞ provides public transportation services in Trabzon with its bus fleet of 168 vehicles. There are 5200 bus stops and 117 bus lines belonging to TULAŞ in Trabzon. Urban transportation service is provided to an average of 70 thousand passengers a day and more than 1.5 million passengers a month. TULAŞ, which has different brands and models of Allison fully automatic transmission-equipped vehicles in its fleet, demonstrates its stability of choice in this field and the importance it attaches to technological infrastructure. The four Isuzu Novociti Life midibuses put into service periodically serve on the campus lines of Karadeniz Technical University and Trabzon University, on neighborhood and village lines, in rural areas, and in historical and touristic areas. These routes include a wide range of routes, from lines with 96 kilometers in one direction and more than 250 stops to short-distance lines of only eight kilometers. The diversity of the routes shows that high performance is expected from the vehicles in terms of both maneuverability and durability.
With the 20 Otokar Doruk buses equipped with Allison transmissions that it has previously received and continues to actively use, TULAŞ has turned to Allison technology in its new vehicles in line with the stability in driving quality, fuel economy and positive feedback received from drivers. Strong accelerations provided by Allison’s torque converter and driving stability that eliminates the risk of slipping back, especially on lines on sloping terrain, urban routes with heavy stop-and-go traffic, and routes with steep slopes, offer great advantages for TULAŞ. All these factors stand out as a result of the effort to bring together technology and safety in public transportation in a geographically challenging city like Trabzon.
Increasing comfort and service quality in urban public transportation operations
TULAŞ Transportation Planning Manager Ersin Bal evaluated the contribution of Allison transmission vehicles to efficiency and service quality as follows: “Traditionally, comfort is one of the most important issues in urban public transportation. Allison fully automatic transmissions offer more comfort for the driver and passengers. Bus drivers work with the comfort of controlled and safe driving provided by Allison’s Uninterruptible Power Technology. Trabzon’s inclined roads, year-round rainy climate and narrow routes pose significant technical difficulties in public transportation.” “With the solutions offered by Allison, it becomes possible to overcome these difficulties. Moreover, the difference in driving between an experienced driver and a new driver is significantly reduced.” Ersin Bal also stated that the second important reason for choosing Allison transmission equipment is that it increases fuel economy and provides lower total operating costs.
The 8-meter-long Isuzu Novociti Life midibuses, with a total capacity of 60 passengers, 21 seated and 39 standing, are powered by an FPT NEF4 Euro 6 engine capable of producing a maximum of 137 kW (184 hp) and 680 Nm/Torque, and an Allison T3270R xFE with 6-speed gearbox and internal retarder. It has a fully automatic transmission equipment. As with all Allison fully automatic transmissions, the T3270R xFE The model also features Allison’s Uninterruptible Power Technology. Thanks to this feature, it provides smoother and superior acceleration and allows gear shifting with full power. Allison’s innovative, extra fuel saving technology xFE provides more torque converter lock-up operation, providing fuel savings in higher gears and lower engine speeds. After all, Allison’s Uninterruptible Power TechnologyFeatures such as xFE fuel saving technology and internal retarder increase the performance of vehicles and reduce total operating costs.
Allison transmissions make a difference not only in terms of technical performance but also in terms of passenger satisfaction. Smooth and quiet driving experience in vehicles; It meets the comfort expectation in urban transportation. For drivers, the elimination of the need to constantly change gear reduces workload and fatigue, allowing them to focus entirely on driving safety.
With these investments focusing on technology and user satisfaction, TULAŞ continues its goal of providing a more accessible, comfortable and sustainable public transportation service both in the city center and rural areas of Trabzon.
Automobile Magazine – English
