Suburban transit receives an electrifying upgrade with the introduction of 60 new eBuses in Rome.
Rome has unveiled 60 new electric buses as part of an ambitious plan to revitalize its public transport system. The initiative, which focuses on electric and hybrid vehicles, is expected to significantly modernize Rome's transport fleet.
The new electric buses, supplied by the company Solaris, are Mercedes-Benz eCitaro models. These buses will initially be deployed in Rome's suburbs, with plans for deployment in both eastern and western Rome in the future. The first ten electric buses are already in service, with another ten due by early October and 40 by January 2025.
By the start of next year, 60 electric buses will be circulating on peripheral routes. These buses come equipped with three doors, low-floor accessibility, and specialized stations for disabled passengers, aiming to improve connectivity for all residents in areas with limited access to rail transport.
The introduction of these electric buses is crucial for enhancing sustainability and reducing pollution in areas with high car dependency. Autoservizi Troiani, the company responsible for the new service, aims for full operation by 22 October 2024.
Atac, Rome's primary public transport company, is also getting on board with the green revolution. By 2025, the company plans to put an additional 110 hybrid buses and 110 electric buses into service, alongside the 100 already in operation. This will bring the total number of new vehicles introduced between 2023 and 2026 to 1,057.
The event, attended by Roberto Gualtieri, Eugenio Patané, Tweety Di Salvo, and John Zannola, marked a significant step towards transforming Rome's suburbs from "a city of the car" to a "city of proximity." President of the IX Municipality, Tweety Di Salvo, celebrated the project, stating, "These electric buses will not only improve our transport system but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable Rome."
Furthermore, a further 301 eVehicles are scheduled to arrive by 2026. With these new additions, Rome is well on its way to a greener and more efficient public transport system.
