Fribourg’s public transport operator, TPF, has placed an initial order for 24 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses, with the potential to expand the fleet to 183 units within five years. The order includes both 18-metre articulated buses and 12-metre standard buses equipped with pantograph charging technology.
The investment for the initial batch amounts to 20 million Swiss francs (approximately 21 million euros). These new eCitaro buses will be deployed in regional and urban transport networks, including the ‘Agglo’ and ‘Mobul’ services, starting in December 2026. TPFās goal is to decarbonize its entire fleet on concessionary routes by 2033, with 13% of the fleet already operating locally emission-free through electric buses and battery-powered trolleybuses.
āAccording to our criteria, these vehicles were the best in terms of technology and sustainability. We also chose them because of the comfort they offer travellers. And finally, they also impressed our drivers,ā said Thomas Hans, Technical Manager Road Vehicles at TPF. This decision followed an extensive test phase involving multiple electric bus models.
Under the terms of the tender, TPF is committed to purchasing a minimum of 35 eCitaro buses and up to 183 over the next five years. āThis flexibility allows us to adapt to the wishes of the customer, but also to keep pace with the technological development of electric buses and batteries,ā added Hans.
Funding for the large-scale electrification project was secured in March 2023, when Fribourg voters approved a CHF 60 million equity capital increase for TPF. The City of Fribourg and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) also contributed CHF 12.5 million and CHF 3.8 million, respectively. These funds will enable significant investments in electric buses, advancing TPFās vision for a sustainable and modern transport network.
