Growing demand for reliable, comfortable transit is reshaping how regional operators approach fleet investment and service delivery.
In a region where road transport is the foundation of all public mobility, fleet reliability is a public service obligation. For Transports CLERY, a key player in passenger transport in French Guiana, meeting that obligation has meant making deliberate, long-term technology choices. Central to those choices has been the transition to Temsa vehicles fitted with Allison Torqmatic Series fully automatic transmissions, a decision that is already delivering measurable gains in operational performance, driver comfort and passenger experience.
A growing company serving transport needs in French GuianaWith a fleet of around 30 vehicles and some 20 drivers, Transports CLERY now offers a comprehensive range of services covering school transport, intercity and tourist transport, private hire and business needs. In particular, the company operates a key intercity route between Cayenne and Kourou.
Its tourism division also enables the company to operate tours to Suriname and Brazil, as well as welcoming cruise ship passengers on stopovers for local tours, thanks to its own in-house tour operator.
In a regional context characterised by the absence of a rail network and a limited road network, coach transport represents a strategic solution to support the region’s development. The regional political commitment to strengthening this public transport system reinforces the growth trajectory the company has embarked upon. |
The strategic choice of Allison automatic transmissions to support the company’s expansion
During this development phase, Transports CLERY has undergone a major technological shift by gradually transitioning from manual gearboxes to Allison T Series fully automatic transmissions on several Temsa vehicles, notably the MD 9 and LD SB PLUS models. The MD 9 is equipped with the Allison T280R or T325R, depending on engine configuration, while the LD SB PLUS runs the Allison automatic paired with the FPT N67 engine — both delivering the smooth, uninterrupted power transfer that defines the Allison driving experience.
This decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at simultaneously improving passenger comfort, driving conditions for drivers and the company’s operational performance. It also helps to optimise vehicle availability, an essential factor in a region where service continuity is a major challenge.
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“Our aim is to provide a reliable, comfortable and efficient transport service, whilst establishing a strong presence in our region. The technological choices we are making today are fully in line with this long-term vision,” says Anthony CLERY, Director of Transports CLERY. | |
A driver of performance and reliability
For Transports CLERY, the integration of Allison automatic transmissions is a key driver for optimising operations. In a challenging road environment, characterised by heavy traffic and frequent congestion due to the high number of private vehicles, the Allison automatic transmission helps improve service regularity and commercial speed.
It also helps to enhance vehicle availability and the durability of mechanical components thanks to the absence of a clutch, factors that are crucial for ensuring business continuity in a region with specific logistical constraints.
By facilitating day-to-day operations and improving operational reliability, this technology enables the company to offer a credible and high-performance alternative to private transport.
A major advantage for driver comfort
In a region where driving conditions can be demanding and where certain areas feature significant gradients, particularly in the east of the territory, the Allison fully automatic transmission simplifies driving.
It reduces driver fatigue, improves vehicle control and makes manoeuvring easier in heavy traffic and in hilly areas. This improvement in working conditions is a tangible asset for retaining drivers and attracting new talent.
With a workforce of around twenty drivers and an average age of between 40 and 45, Transports CLERY already benefits from a stable workforce. In a region where word of working conditions spreads quickly, the integration of technologies that enhance driving comfort is a key advantage in retaining the best talent.
An improved passenger experience across all services
For passengers, the Allison fully automatic transmission results in a smoother, more comfortable and quieter journey, which is particularly appreciated on intercity, tourist or business trips.
The elimination of jerks associated with gear changes helps to improve overall on-board comfort, a key factor in meeting users’ growing expectations regarding service quality, particularly for journeys related to industrial, institutional or tourist activities.
This improvement in comfort also helps to strengthen the image of public transport as a modern, reliable and attractive solution.