Suburban transport in Rome undergoes a significant upgrade with the arrival of 60 new electric buses

Rome is set to transform its public transport system with the introduction of a vast number of electric buses. The initiative, part of a broader plan to modernize the city's transport fleet, was unveiled recently with the presentation of the first batch of 60 new electric buses.

The buses, Mercedes-Benz eCitaro models, come equipped with three doors, low-floor accessibility, and specialised stations for disabled passengers. By the start of next year, 60 electric buses will be circulating on peripheral routes in Rome, with Autoservizi Troiani planning to introduce an additional 10 by October and 40 more by January 2025.

This is not the only green leap for Rome's public transport. Atac, the city's primary public transport company, is set to put 110 hybrid buses into service by 2025, alongside 110 electric buses. The initiative is expected to contribute to a total of 1,057 new vehicles introduced between 2023 and 2026, with an additional 301 eVehicles scheduled to arrive by 2026.

The new buses are powered by new-generation batteries, providing a range of around 300 kilometers. This shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles is a significant step in Rome's commitment to sustainable mobility, a commitment highlighted by Mayor Gualtieri.

The average age of Rome's bus fleet is expected to decrease to just over five years, down from 12 years in 2018. This modernization is crucial, as President of the IX Municipality, Tweety Di Salvo, celebrates the project as a step towards transforming Rome's suburbs from "a city of the car" to a "city of proximity."

Tweety Di Salvo also underscores the importance of the new electric bus service in enhancing connectivity for all residents due to the municipality's limited access to rail transport. The initiative is indeed part of a broader effort to revitalise Rome's public transport system, making it more accessible and eco-friendly.

Present at the unveiling were Roberto Gualtieri, Eugenio Patané, Tweety Di Salvo, and John Zannola. The new electric buses are set to transform public transport in Rome's suburban areas, offering a greener, more efficient, and more inclusive travel option for all residents.

Suburban transport in Rome undergoes a significant upgrade with the arrival of 60 new electric buses