Bologna starts operation of Solaris hydrogen buses with 127-unit fleet planned
Hydrogen buses entered service in Bologna today as public transport operator Tper deployed the first Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen vehicles on the city network, following the completion of the authorisation process for the hydrogen refuelling facility at the Via Battindarno depot. The latest update on the state of completion of the project was dated March […]
Hydrogen buses entered service in Bologna today as public transport operator Tper deployed the first Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen vehicles on the city network, following the completion of the authorisation process for the hydrogen refuelling facility at the Via Battindarno depot. The latest update on the state of completion of the project was dated March 2026. Hower, delivery was performed already in 2025.
The first Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses entered service this morning on selected runs of routes 11, 14, 20, 36 and 92.
The deployment marks the beginning of the progressive introduction of a fleet of 127 hydrogen fuel cell buses that will operate mainly on urban routes requiring 12-metre vehicles as well as suburban connections across the Bologna metropolitan area. The initiative forms part of the company’s broader zero-emission mobility strategy, which also includes the expansion of battery-electric buses, trolleybuses and the future tram network.
Tper starts operation of Solaris hydrogen buses in Bologna
The vehicles introduced by Tper are Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses equipped with fuel cell technology. According to Tper, the vehicles can travel more than 400 kilometres on a single refuelling cycle. The buses are equipped with climate control systems and accessibility features designed for all passenger categories.
The hydrogen buses will progressively appear across the Bologna network in the coming days as additional vehicles enter operation. Once fully deployed, Bologna will become one of the European cities with the largest hydrogen bus fleets in operation.
The project is linked to the implementation timelines established under Italy’s PNRR framework and the European Commission programmes supporting the transition towards low- and zero-emission public transport fleets. Tper states that the introduction of the hydrogen buses contributes to Bologna’s carbon neutrality objective set for 2030 within the framework of the European Mission Cities programme.
