TPT September 2013

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September 2013 103
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Energy
Tapping an old-fashioned
technology in the narrow
inner-city streets of Vienna:
new electric buses
As reported by Erica Gies in the International Herald Tribune,
Vienna is switching from buses powered by liquefied
petroleum gas to electric buses that run unplugged, go
anywhere, and recharge their batteries using the overhead
power lines of older trams. Twelve of the buses in the novel,
first-of-its-kind fleet, each of which can carry 40 passengers,
are already in service.
Vienna is one of several European cities – struggling
to square tight budgets with environmental goals –
experimenting with new electric vehicles and infrastructure
systems for buses and trains. In its shift to electric buses,
Ms Gies said, the Austrian capital is striving for a leadership
role in green transportation by testing new systems that can
potentially create a cleaner, quieter downtown. (“In Europe,
Greener Transit on Existing Infrastructure,” 7 July)
Such efforts have been influenced by a series of European
Commission initiatives to address climate change and reduce
dependence on imported fuel.
The EC has set member states the target of reducing
transportation emissions by 60 per cent by 2050. Buses
account for as much as 60 per cent of the public transit in
Europe; and 95 per cent of those buses use gasoline or
diesel fuel.
The ambitious goals for emissions reduction are spurring
what Ms Gies terms “a slow-motion revolution in urban
transit.” Andreas Laske, of the eBus programme at Siemens
Rail Systems in Berlin, said that Siemens, which provided
technology for Vienna’s electric buses, is negotiating with at
least five cities in Europe and two in South America that are
considering the system for
their existing tram lines.
Hooking up to electric
current by means of a
pantograph (an arm on
the roof), the red-and-
white buses in Vienna
have their batteries
partially recharged at a
tram station in ten to 15
minutes, between runs.
Overnight the batteries
are recharged fully at the
depot. Viennese officials
estimate that the buses
– made by Rampini in
Perugia, Italy – will reduce
their city’s carbon dioxide
emissions by 300 tons a
year.
Vienna is hoping to use electic
buses throughout the city