Articles tagged with "public-transportation"
Ballard’s 500 Fuel Cell Deal Meets A Hydrogen Bus Market That Never Arrived - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a recent announcement by Ballard Power and New Flyer regarding a commercial arrangement for 500 fuel cell engines intended for hydrogen transit buses starting in 2026. While this sounds like a significant market commitment, the deal is described more as an aspirational framework than a firm purchase order or backlog. The North American hydrogen transit bus market remains small and uneven, with annual orders peaking at 288 buses in 2023 but expected to decline sharply to 45 by 2025. This limited demand contrasts with the impression given by aggregated data sources that mix buses ordered, funded, delivered, or deployed, which tend to overstate market size and stability. The article highlights that the hydrogen bus market is heavily concentrated in California, which accounts for about 80% of the U.S. pipeline of fuel cell buses, with only a small number spread across other states. Despite subsidies like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act supporting hydrogen technologies, enthusiasm and orders for hydrogen buses have cooled rapidly since
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsfuel-cell-busesclean-energypublic-transportationsustainable-transporthydrogen-economyParis Electrified 2.0 - CleanTechnica
The article "Paris Electrified 2.0" by Fritz Hasler revisits Paris’s progress in electrification since his initial visit in 2024. During a brief 36-hour stay in February 2026, Hasler observed a significant proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) throughout the city, including battery electric cars, trucks, buses, and e-bikes. He contrasts this with his experience living in Paris in 1975, when public transit relied heavily on the electrified Metro system and buses, and ride-hailing apps like Uber did not exist. Today, Paris offers a robust electric Metro system complemented by widespread availability of EV Ubers and taxis, with no price penalty for requesting electric vehicles. Hasler highlights the presence of diverse EV models in Paris, noting his rides in a BYD Seal and a Toyota bZ4X as Uber vehicles—both featuring advanced, large display screens surpassing those in his Tesla models. He points out that while BYD vehicles are not
energyelectric-vehiclesEVspublic-transportationelectrificationbattery-technologyurban-mobilityElectric "Love Bus" To Begin Operating On Its New Expanded Metro Manila Route - CleanTechnica
The electric "Love Bus" service in Metro Manila is expanding its route to include a new loop connecting Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood City, marking its first operation within a central business district corridor. Beginning Monday, ten additional Comet electric buses, each with a 30-passenger capacity, will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., potentially extending to 10 p.m. depending on demand. The rides will continue to be free. The new route focuses on high-traffic commercial and mixed-use areas along the Ortigas and C5 corridors, serving key locations such as Estancia Mall, MMDA headquarters, Arcovia Mall, and Eastwood City. This expansion follows a memorandum of agreement signed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines, with support from private-sector sponsors including Robinsons Land Corporation, Megaworld Corporation, Ortigas Land, and International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist. The project exemplifies a public
energyelectric-busespublic-transportationsustainable-mobilityclean-energyemissions-reductionMetro-ManilaAnother One Bites the Dust: Aberdeen’s Hydrogen Bus Fleet Ends In Failure - CleanTechnica
Aberdeen’s experiment with a fleet of 25 hydrogen double-decker buses, once hailed as a pioneering step in clean transport and a foundation for a local hydrogen economy, has ended in failure. Despite initial optimism and significant investment—including an £8.3 million program supported by the Scottish Government and EU funding, plus an additional £4.5 million award—the buses faced mixed operational performance and infrastructure challenges. The council has decided to retire and attempt to sell the fleet, but the prospects for recouping capital are low due to the lack of a robust secondary market for hydrogen buses. These vehicles require specialized refueling infrastructure, maintenance expertise, and supply contracts, limiting potential buyers to operators already equipped for hydrogen technology or willing to invest heavily for a small, aging fleet. The hydrogen double-decker market remains niche and stagnant, with limited deployment primarily involving the Wrightbus StreetDeck Hydroliner in Aberdeen, London, and Northern Ireland. London, after an initial batch likely influenced by political factors, has
energyhydrogen-fuelclean-transporthydrogen-busessustainable-energypublic-transportationrenewable-energyNissan Silent & Measured Path Toward Autonomous Public Transportation in Japan - CleanTechnica
Nissan is quietly positioning itself as a leading force in autonomous public transportation in Japan by focusing on practical service implementation rather than just technological innovation. Since 2017, Nissan has approached autonomy as a transport service challenge, emphasizing passenger behavior, municipal coordination, and operational experience through pilot programs in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district and Fukushima’s Namie Smart Mobility initiative. Their commercialization roadmap, published in early 2024, outlines a clear strategy to launch autonomous mobility services—not autonomous cars—starting in fiscal year 2027, with incremental capability rollouts tied to public acceptance and regulatory readiness. The transition from planning to real-world testing began in mid-2024 with Level 2 autonomous driving demonstrations on public roads, focusing on pedestrian interaction and urban traffic scenarios. By March 2025, Nissan achieved a significant milestone with a Serena-based vehicle completing driverless navigation on complex public roads in Minatomirai, incorporating advanced AI perception, redundancy, and remote oversight systems. Subsequent pilots in Yok
robotautonomous-vehiclespublic-transportationAI-perceptionsensor-technologymobility-servicesNissanZurich transit operator prepares fresh €150 million electric bus tender after supplier setbacks - CleanTechnica
Zurich’s public transport authority, Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ), has launched a major new tender valued at approximately €150 million for battery-electric buses to replace aging diesel vehicles in its urban fleet. This fresh procurement, officially announced in January 2026 with bids due by March 17, marks a departure from relying on existing framework agreements with Swiss manufacturer HESS and MAN Truck & Bus. The decision to reset the process follows ongoing operational issues with current electric buses, including delays in deliveries and recurring faults in heating, ventilation, and climate control systems, which VBZ concluded had not been adequately resolved despite efforts by the suppliers. Both HESS and MAN have acknowledged the challenges inherent in transitioning to advanced electric bus technology, emphasizing ongoing optimization and long-term strategic commitments. By opening the tender to a broader field of competitors, VBZ is expected to attract global manufacturers, notably Chinese companies such as BYD and Yutong, which have been expanding their presence in European markets with buses emphasizing reliability
energyelectric-busesbattery-electric-vehiclespublic-transportationZurich-transitMAN-Truck-&-BusHess-AGEurope's Longest Gondola Line Opened In Paris - CleanTechnica
Paris has inaugurated Europe’s longest gondola line, a 4.5-kilometer aerial cable car system featuring 105 gondolas, each seating up to 10 passengers. This new transit line connects Métro Line 8 in Créteil to Villa Nova in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, passing through Limeil-Brevannes and Valenton, and is expected to carry around 11,000 passengers daily. The project, costing €138 million, was promoted as a cost-effective alternative to subway construction for linking isolated neighborhoods in the Île-de-France region. While this gondola line is the longest in Europe and the seventh cable car line in France, it is not the longest worldwide—the record belongs to a 32-kilometer cable car in Bolivia. The Paris gondola offers a less crowded and potentially more enjoyable travel experience compared to traditional subways. Passengers without a transit pass must purchase separate tickets for the metro (€2.50) and the cable car (€2). The initiative
energypublic-transportationcable-carurban-mobilitysustainable-transportinfrastructurerenewable-energy-alternativesHow Polish Cities Are Wasting EU Funds on Hydrogen Buses — Ignoring Energy Efficiency First - CleanTechnica
A review of eight Polish municipal projects funded by the EU’s Green Public Transport program reveals a widespread neglect of the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle, which mandates comparing energy use and costs before selecting zero-emission bus technologies. Despite EU law, seven out of eight cities failed to conduct any meaningful energy or cost-efficiency comparisons between hydrogen fuel-cell buses (FCEVs) and battery-electric buses (BEVs). The subsidy structure favored hydrogen buses by offering up to 90% funding compared to 80% for BEVs, incentivizing cities to choose the more expensive and energy-intensive hydrogen option. This has led to public funds being spent on buses that consume 4–5 times more electricity and cost 4–6 times more to operate than BEVs. Operational data from Polish cities confirm the inefficiency of hydrogen buses. For example, BEVs in Białystok consume 85–130 kWh per 100 km, while hydrogen buses require about 490 kWh per
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellselectric-busesenergy-efficiencyEU-fundingzero-emission-transportpublic-transportationElectric Jeepneys Needed As Phase-Out Plan for Old Units Looms - CleanTechnica
The Philippine jeepney, a vital mode of last-mile urban transport, is undergoing a major transformation with efforts to electrify the fleet as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which mandates phasing out jeepneys older than 15 years by 2027. Despite the large fleet of 220,000 units, only about 5% have been electrified so far, though deployment accelerated in 2025 with over 1,000 electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys) introduced. E-jeepneys address critical last-mile connectivity challenges by linking residential areas to major transport hubs, serving routes unsuitable for buses but too long for walking. The main barrier to widespread e-jeepney adoption is economic, as the cost of an electric unit (around PHP 2.5 million or $44,000) far exceeds the current P300,000 ($5,000) zero-interest loans available to operators. Experts recommend expanding these loans to cover 80% of the cost with zero
energyelectric-vehiclespublic-transportationclean-energy-transitioncharging-infrastructuresustainable-transportelectric-jeepneysNew Electric Jeepney Variant Presented at Electric Vehicle Show - CleanTechnica
Basic Energy Corporation (BEC) introduced its new electric jeepney variant, the BASIC GEEP, at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, highlighting its role in the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program. The BASIC GEEP features a 50 kW electric motor with a peak output of 110 kW, powered by a 66 kWh battery pack that offers an estimated range of 180 to 200 kilometers per charge. It is built on a light cargo truck chassis from an international supplier, differing from traditional jeepney designs, and includes durable IP67-rated enclosures to withstand harsh Philippine weather. The vehicle accommodates 24 seated passengers plus 10 standing and comes equipped with modern amenities such as GPS tracking, passenger Wi-Fi, and an Automated Fare Collection System to support digital payments. BEC claims the BASIC GEEP can reduce operational costs by 50–60% compared to diesel jeepneys, citing lower electricity expenses, reduced maintenance, and a battery leasing model,
electric-vehiclesenergy-storagepublic-transportationelectric-motorsbattery-technologyrenewable-energyIoT-connectivityIs An Electric Bus A Fire Risk - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses recent misinformation and fearmongering surrounding the safety of electric buses following a fatal collision in New Zealand. A petrol Subaru crashed head-on into an Auckland electric bus, which caught fire, resulting in the bus driver's death and injuries to the car occupants. Despite the bus being engulfed in flames, investigations by the bus operator and Auckland’s Fire and Emergency Department confirmed that the fire originated in the petrol car’s engine, and the electric bus’s batteries remained undamaged. Auckland city councillor Richard Hills condemned the spread of anti-EV propaganda and reassured the public that electric buses are safe, highlighting that fire safety systems are integrated into EV battery design. The article emphasizes that data from multiple countries consistently show electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel vehicles. Councillor Hills noted that fires in diesel vehicles are relatively common but do not provoke calls for bans, contrasting this with the disproportionate fear directed at electric buses. The article criticizes the spread of misinformation
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-busesbattery-safetyfire-safetyemissions-reductionpublic-transportationHow to Keep Subways and Trains Cool in an Ever Hotter World
As global temperatures rise, cooling underground trains and subway systems has become a pressing challenge, with existing infrastructure often exacerbating heat issues. Jonathan Paul, a researcher at Royal Holloway, University of London, highlights that London’s Tube tunnels, carved through dense clay, retain heat generated by trains, sometimes reaching temperatures as high as 42°C (107.6°F). Traditional air-conditioning on trains risks worsening tunnel temperatures by releasing warm air into these confined spaces. To address this, Paul is developing a novel cooling system that leverages groundwater, which remains at a cool 10°C, to absorb and carry away excess heat from underground stations. This approach involves pumping water from subterranean aquifers through heat exchangers installed above platforms, where hot air transfers its heat to the water, which is then gently circulated away. Paul and his team are testing this technology in a chalk quarry near Reading, simulating the conditions of the Tube tunnels. Their prototype has demonstrated the ability to reduce room temperatures by about 10
energycooling-technologypublic-transportationclimate-change-adaptationheat-managementunderground-infrastructuresustainable-coolingTransdev's 55-Bus Gamble On Dutch Electrification Is A Winner - CleanTechnica
Transdev, a major French private-sector public transport operator, has placed a strategic order for 55 electric buses from Solaris to electrify regional transit in the Arnhem-Nijmegen-Foodvalley region of the Netherlands. The order is split between 42 compact 9-meter Urbino 9 LE buses designed for low-density rural routes and tight village streets, and 13 double-articulated 24-meter Urbino 24 buses built to handle high-volume commuter corridors between Arnhem and Nijmegen. This dual approach addresses the diverse transit needs of the region, balancing maneuverability and capacity without relying on a one-size-fits-all solution. This investment is part of a decade-long contract Transdev secured to operate the merged Arnhem-Nijmegen and Veluwe-Zuid transit areas until 2036, with ambitious service expansion goals including longer daily coverage, increased service hours, and high-frequency routes. The buses, arriving in late 2026 under the RRReis brand, will contribute to a unified zero
energyelectric-busespublic-transportationbattery-technologysustainable-transitelectric-mobilityrenewable-energy6 New Electric Buses Will Transport Passengers To Edinburgh Airport - CleanTechnica
Stagecoach East Scotland has introduced six new fully electric Volvo BZL buses to operate on the JET747 route, which runs between Halbeath Park & Ride in Fife and Edinburgh Airport, covering a 16-mile distance with an average journey time of 40 minutes. This route is heavily used, carrying around 10,000 passengers weekly during peak season, including both airport travelers and staff. These electric buses are the first to provide direct and frequent fully electric service between Fife and Edinburgh Airport terminals, complementing other electric services like Ember’s coach and tram connections. The move to fully electric buses aligns with Stagecoach’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and offer a quieter, more comfortable ride. The new buses will be charged at the Dunfermline depot, which has supported a fully electric city network since early 2023, with additional charging infrastructure planned at Halbeath Park & Ride. Across Scotland, Stagecoach operates over 150 fully electric buses and
electric-buseszero-emissionspublic-transportationclean-energyelectric-vehicle-chargingsustainable-transportScotland-energy-transitionBYD is Driving Europe's Electric Bus Push at Busworld 2025 - CleanTechnica
BYD has established itself as a leading force in Europe’s electric bus market, driving the continent’s transition to zero-emission public transport. Since its initial entry in 2011 and the delivery of Europe’s first public electric bus fleet in the Netherlands in 2013, BYD has steadily expanded its presence. By mid-2025, the company achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of its 5,000th electric bus in Europe, reflecting strong market adoption and a growing share in the region. To support this growth, BYD has localized production with a manufacturing plant in Komárom, Hungary, which is undergoing expansion to double its annual capacity to over 1,000 vehicles. Technologically, BYD’s success is closely tied to its vertically integrated battery development, particularly its Blade Battery Chassis that integrates lithium-iron-phosphate cells for enhanced safety, energy density, and vehicle performance. This technology powers new models like the B13.b intercity bus, capable of a
electric-busesBYDbattery-technologyenergy-storageelectric-vehicleszero-emission-mobilitypublic-transportationPhilippine President's Commuter Ride Into the Future: The Love Bus Returns - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the relaunch of the iconic "Love Bus" program in Metro Manila, Philippines, coinciding with President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s 68th birthday on September 13. The original Love Bus, introduced in 1975 under former first lady Imelda Marcos, was the Philippines' first air-conditioned public bus system and symbolized a more comfortable and modern commuting experience during the 1980s. However, financial challenges led to its discontinuation, leaving many with nostalgic memories. This new iteration revives the concept with 20 sleek electric buses, marking a significant shift toward sustainable and inclusive public transportation. President Marcos Jr. framed the relaunch as a gift to commuters, emphasizing benefits such as reduced transportation costs, less traffic congestion, and lower pollution due to the buses' electric powertrains. The new Love Buses, called COMET (City Optimized Managed Electric Transport), feature modern amenities including wheelchair ramps for accessibility and mobile app integration for real-time tracking, reflecting
energyelectric-busespublic-transportationsustainable-transportclean-energyelectric-vehiclesPhilippines