Italian public transport operator Tper has introduced hydrogen-powered buses into service in Bologna, marking the start of operations for a new fleet of fuel cell vehicles as part of the city’s broader zero-emission mobility strategy.
The first Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen buses entered operation on selected services across routes 11, 14, 20, 36 and 92 following completion of the authorisation process for the hydrogen refuelling station at the Via Battindarno depot.
The deployment represents the first phase of a planned fleet of 127 hydrogen buses that will operate primarily on urban and suburban routes across the Bologna metropolitan area.
Tper said the hydrogen fleet forms part of a wider transition strategy that also includes battery-electric buses, trolleybuses and the future expansion of Bologna’s tram network.
According to the operator, the Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses can travel more than 400 kilometres on a single refuelling cycle. The vehicles are also equipped with climate control systems and accessibility features designed to support different passenger groups.
Additional hydrogen buses are expected to enter operation progressively over the coming days as more vehicles are integrated into the network.
Once the full fleet is deployed, Bologna is expected to become one of the European cities operating the largest hydrogen-powered public bus fleets.
The project is linked to timelines established under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) as well as European Commission programmes supporting the adoption of low- and zero-emission public transportation systems.
Tper said the hydrogen bus programme contributes to Bologna’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 under the European Mission Cities initiative.
