Irisbus Agora
| Industry | Bus manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Renault Agora |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Fate | Production transferred to Irisbus; model discontinued |
| Products | Low-floor buses (standard, articulated, intercity) |
| Parent | Renault (until 2002), Irisbus (after 1999) |
The Irisbus Agora—previously known as the Renault Agora, Karosa City Bus, or Ikarus Agora—was a low-floor bus developed and manufactured by Renault between 1995 and 2002. Following this period, production was transferred to Irisbus, a collaboration with Fiat's subsidiary Iveco starting in 1999, which incorporated Iveco powertrains. Additionally, the bus was produced by the Czech company Karosa under the Citybus diesel model name, by Škoda as trolleybuses (specifically the Škoda 24Tr and 25Tr Irisbus) in Eastern Europe, and by the Romanian firm Astra Bus.
Range
The Agora series comprised several variants:
- The standard 12-metre "S" model, offered with configurations of one to three doors
- The articulated 18-metre "L" model, available with either three or four doors
- The "Line" 12-metre version introduced in 1999, which featured a longitudinal engine placement beneath the rear seats. This design enhanced seating capacity and fuel efficiency compared to the transverse engine layout found in the S and L models. A right-hand drive variant of this version was briefly sold in the United Kingdom.
- The intercity "Moovy" model launched in 2003, which was derived from the Agora Line platform.
Operators
More than 11,000 units were built, predominantly serving European markets. Right-hand drive versions intended for the UK and Australia were equipped with a single door.
Europe
The largest purchaser was the RATP Group, acquiring upwards of 2,500 buses. In Greece, the Athens-based operator OASA utilized Agora buses powered by both diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG). In Spain, marketed as Renault/Irisbus Citybus, this model was extensively used in cities such as Málaga, Sevilla, Madrid, Valencia, and Zaragoza during the 2000s and 2010s. Both Standard and Long versions were supplied by Renault and Irisbus. Within the Czech Republic, Prague received 321 Agora S (Citybus 12M) units and 53 Agora L (Citybus 18M) units, while over 350 additional buses were delivered to other municipalities. These vehicles were manufactured at Karosa’s facility located in Vysoké Mýto, now integrated into Iveco Bus.
United Kingdom
In England, a total of 23 buses were fitted with bodies by Optare, mainly serving rural and urban routes operated by Norfolk Green.
Australia
In Australia, a batch of buses was ordered by King Brothers, with six units completed by Northcoast Bus & Coach. A subsequent larger order for vehicles bodied by Custom Coaches and Australian Bus Manufacturers was canceled. Other operators that acquired these buses included ACTION (20 units), Baxter's Coaches (5 units), Fearne's (5 units), and Thompsons Bus Service (5 units).