Transdev Group will procure up to 460 climate-friendly buses for use in its existing networks in Germany in the coming years to accelerate the switch to « zero emissions. » This will be made possible by federal German government funding. At the beginning of April 2022, German Federal Transportation Minister Dr. Volker Wissing handed over funding decisions totaling around €600 million to various companies in Berlin.
A total of around 1,700 buses will be procured by transportation companies under the new « Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drive Systems for Buses in Passenger Transportation, » of which around 1,400 will be battery buses, 150 fuel cell buses, 50 trolleybuses and 100 gas buses. Funding is also being provided for the associated maintenance and charging infrastructure.
Particularly in cities where many buses are on the road, alternative drive systems can make an enormous contribution to reducing CO2 emissions, pollutants and noise – and thus to improving the quality of life. That’s why we are providing targeted support for the conversion of diesel buses to alternative drive systems.
Dr. Volker Wissing, German Federal Transportation Minister when the funding decisions were handed over.
Funds of around €1.25 billion are available for this purpose until 2024, with supplementary funds earmarked for 2025.
We are very happy and at the same time grateful that the federal government is supporting us in our efforts for more climate protection and the use of climate-neutral vehicles in public transportation. This is a huge boost for the mobility revolution in Germany, and we are happy to make our contribution.
Henrik Behrens, Managing Director of Bus Operations for Transdev in Germany
The federal funding will enable Transdev to procure up to 314 battery-powered buses, 40 fuel cell buses and 110 biomethane-powered buses by 2025.
Transdev currently operates around 3,200 buses in public transit in Germany, including 40 e-buses already. In addition to the exposed e-bus location in Frankfurt am Main, these also provide comfortable public transportation and better breathing air in smaller towns such as Schwäbisch Hall, Waiblingen or Ingelheim.
In addition to Transdev, the public transit authorities in Berlin, Munich, Bremen and Kiel have also received corresponding funding decisions. The federal government covers up to 80 % of the additional costs incurred compared with conventional comparative vehicles and provides funding for the development of the necessary infrastructure.
In the future, 1,700 climate-friendly, quiet, state-of-the-art buses will be on the road throughout Germany – and will be the driving proof that modern mobility is a benefit for citizens, the climate and the economy. Our goal is to have 50 % of city buses on the road with alternative, climate-friendly drives by 2030. I’m pleased that the transportation companies are tackling this major challenge together with us.
Dr. Volker Wissing, German Federal Transportation Minister
Pictured above: Federal Minister of Transport Dr. Volker Wissing (left) presents Henrik Behrens, Managing Director of Bus Operations for Transdev in Germany, the funding notification for Transdev.