Bologna is launching one of the largest fuel cell bus projects in Europe so far, with 127 units expected to be in operation by mid-2026 (34 to arrive by 2024).

An agreement has been signed to this extent between Bologna City Council, public transport operator TPER and Srm. An investment of over 90 million euro of Next Generation EU funds has been dedicated to this purpose.

Bologna to have 127 fuel cell buses in operation by 2026

The agreement envisages the purchase of 127 hydrogen-powered buses by 30 June 2026, of which at least 34 by the end of 2024, and the construction of the related infrastructure.

TPER will manage the procedures for the purchase of the vehicles and provide the work for the hydrogen filling stations at its city depots. The new hydrogen-powered vehicles will primarily replace Euro II and III class diesel-powered buses, followed by Euro IV, V and Euro V EEV class diesel and methane buses, reads a press note released by the city with TPER.

Srm, which owns the essential public transport networks, will have the task of supervising compliance with deadlines, especially for infrastructure, and will periodically carry out checks on the progress of interventions.

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