TPT September 2013

Global Marketplace

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. Vienna is hoping to use electic buses throughout the city

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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.

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September 2013