Buses currently comprise more than half of public transport in Bratislava. The DPB bus fleet is the biggest in Slovakia. The company thus sought ways to reduce its emissions and, at the same time, make its operations more efficient. The acquisition of hydrogen buses means that its bus fleet should become even greener. The Investment Ministry purchased low-emission buses for the capital and signed an agreement with DPB on a non-refundable financial contribution.
The buses started operating last summer
DPB ordered the first four hydrogen buses from the Polish company Solaris Bus & Coach. The company successfully bid €24.4 million to supply 40 buses.
“Hydrogen technology brings perspective to planning public transport in the future,” said Martin Rybanský, chairman of the board of directors of DPB. “Compared with electric buses, the advantage of these vehicles is longer range, but also faster refuelling.”
The latest addition to Bratislava’s public transport has real ecological potential for the future and will inspire other cities that aim to become greener. The buses have a range of around 350 kilometres and are fueled by a 70 kW fuel cell.
Half of DPB’s current vehicle fleet is classified as low-emission (comprising electric, CNG-powered and diesel-powered buses that meet the strict Euro 6 standard). The company is among the leaders in green public transport. Bratislava is thus setting an example for other European capitals in public transportation.
