Bahia Government Creates Program and Signs R$ 142 Million Contract with Mercedes-Benz for Delivery of 600 School Buses

Mercedes-Benz Wins Bid for Supply of School Buses for the “Caminho da Escola” Program of the Bahia Government

The “Caminho da Escola” program aims to expand and standardize the fleet of school vehicles designated for the public basic education network. The project focuses on students in rural and riverside areas, providing the necessary means of transportation for each locality – buses, boats, and bicycles. These must be acquired by educational managers.

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 Mercedes-Benz won the bid to supply 2,600 buses for the program, all of which are the LO 916 chassis, with Caio and Mascarello bodies, with ORE 1, ORE 2, and ONUREA PA specifications. States and municipalities can request the buses for their use until September 14, 2022.

“It is with great satisfaction that Mercedes-Benz continues to provide school buses for federal programs. With this new bid, there will be about 8,500 Mercedes-Benz buses in circulation for the program since 2007 when it started,” says Walter Barbosa, Sales and Marketing Director of Buses at Mercedes-Benz Brazil. 

Contract Already Signed Between the Bahia Government and Mercedes-Benz

The state government of Bahia signed a contract with the manufacturer worth R$142.68 million to acquire 600 vehicles of the ORE 1 model (Rural School Bus – Small Category). This model has 29 seats for children, with specific features for rural application, such as short front and rear overhangs, suspensions suitable for severe applications, automatic differential lock, mixed tires (dirt/asphalt), and elevated bumpers.

Another highlight of the buses is accessibility: they feature a wide door and DPM (Mobile Chair Device), allowing practical and safe access for students with mobility difficulties; two seats reserved for students with physical disabilities and four-point seat belts. Additionally, there are also specific places for the accommodation of backpacks and bags.

What Mercedes-Benz Says

According to the brand, the LO 196 version was specifically developed for the “Caminho da Escola” because it meets the specifications of FNDE (National Fund for Education Development) by being directed to operate on rural and unpaved roads.

Mercedes-Benz ensures strength, robustness, and durability for various transportation applications, highlighting improved traction on low-grip terrains, resulting from the differential lock – an automatic action that facilitates the driver’s daily routine.

In addition to these factors, the LO 916 is distinguished by features such as wider tread tires (235/75 R 17.5), suitable for mixed use on dirt and asphalt; stopping brakes that prevent the vehicle from moving with open doors; a speed limiter of 70 km/h; and a digital tachograph.

As defined in Electronic Auction No. 06\2021, conducted by the Government, Mercedes-Benz won a lot of 1,200 registered units of the ORE 1, at a unit price of R$ 237,800.00.