Electric Revolution in Public Transport: Investments Worth Hundreds of Millions of Zlotys

Polish cities are accelerating their transition to electric public transport, with substantial investments in zero-emission buses. Major urban centers are acquiring dozens of these modern vehicles, significantly increasing the share of electric buses in their fleets.

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In April last year, we signed a contract for the delivery of 36 modern electric buses. The new vehicles will be delivered by Solaris Bus & Coach. Of course, they will be low-floor and fully air-conditioned.

Łódź, for example, has signed a contract for 36 new electric buses from Solaris Bus & Coach, a project co-financed by the National Reconstruction Plan. Białystok is set to receive 60 Yutong U12 electric buses, with a total project cost exceeding 153 million zlotys, including infrastructure. Upon completion, these deliveries will bring Białystok's electric bus fleet to 110, nearly a third of its total.

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After the finalization of deliveries, Białystok will have 110 electric buses, constituting almost one-third of the entire city fleet.

Other cities are also making significant strides. Wrocław is purchasing 28 electric buses from Mercedes and Solaris, with deliveries expected in June and July. Kraków is acquiring 47 zero-emission buses, including 37 electric models, at a cost of over 132 million zlotys, largely covered by subsidies. Poznań already boasts a zero-emission fleet share exceeding 32%, a mix of electric and hydrogen buses. Gdańsk plans to receive 30 new electric buses this summer, boosting its zero-emission share to around 12% and replacing older diesel vehicles.

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We are in the process of implementing a project in which we are purchasing 47 zero-emission buses, including 37 electric buses with chargers and 10 hydrogen buses.

This shift signifies a move away from electric buses being mere additions to becoming a core component of urban transportation. While the investments are substantial, cities are also grappling with the infrastructural challenges of charging and maintaining these new fleets. The growing adoption of electric and hydrogen buses signals a broader commitment to modernizing public transport and reducing emissions in Poland.

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The situation will change significantly in the summer this year when we receive 30 new electric buses, which will ultimately replace the oldest diesel vehicles.