Jan NettigPrague, recognized as one of the world’s largest and greenest cities according to the HUGSI index, is living up to its reputation by introducing its first fully electric bus line. This new fleet of electric buses connects the Metro C Budějovická station with the Brumlovka bus stop in Kačerov, Prague 4. This initiative is particularly significant as Czechia has been facing challenges in meeting the WHO guidelines for air quality and pollution levels.
Since 2016, two SOR electric buses have been operating on this bus line, labeled ‘BB1’ and ‘BB2,’ providing emission-free transport to one of Prague’s most active business districts. With the addition of a third bus in September this year, the shuttle service between the two stops is now 100% electric. Approximately 4,500 passengers use this transport in Brumlovka each day.
Martina Draper, a representative of the Passerinvest group which contributed to the project, stated that 94% of passengers are satisfied with the shuttle service, mainly due to its cleanliness, sufficient capacity, and connection intervals. Satisfaction has increased by almost 20 percentage points since the introduction of electric buses.
The ČEZ group, one of the largest companies in the country and a leading energy group in Europe, played a leading role in championing this project. They aim to transform the production portfolio to a low-emission portfolio, reaching climate neutrality by 2040. Tomáš Dzurilla, ČEZ electromobility director, emphasized the importance of emission-free driving in cities and their commitment to supporting its development.
Prague’s 2030 Climate Plan aims to add 900 emission-free and low-emission buses within the next seven years, while also hoping to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels by 17%. The city is committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2010 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest. The plan envisions hybrid buses, electric buses, battery trolleybuses, or classic trolleybuses as the future of Prague’s public transport. Approximately 2.9 billion CZK is expected to be acquired for the purchase of these buses.
For more detailed information, you can read the original article on Prague Morning.
