Tyrol expands electric bus services across public transport

More electric buses are entering public transport in several regions of Tyrol, ORF reports. The Energy Agency Tyrol highlighted the trend during European Mobility Week, while private bus companies are also expanding their electric fleets.

In Kitzbühel, three new electric buses replaced the former diesel city buses in May. The Energy Agency Tyrol said the switch had been positive for everyone involved. Bus driver Andreas Parolini said the buses ran smoothly and quietly, braked effectively through regenerative braking and were well received by passengers and residents.

The buses can travel around 350 kilometres on a single battery charge. Because their daily routes are considerably shorter, the agency said they have sufficient reserve. They are charged overnight at fast-charging stations at the depot, with output of up to 360 kilowatts. Kitzbühel residents can use the city buses free of charge with the so-called Bürgerkarte.

There are now 27 electric buses operating in Innsbruck and the surrounding area. On the Seefeld plateau, 13 electric buses connect the municipalities of Seefeld, Leutasch and Reith with Telfs. Other electric vehicles in public transport operate in the Landeck, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis and rear Zillertal regions, according to the Energy Agency Tyrol.

Private bus companies in Tyrol have also been expanding their electric fleets for several years. Christophorus Reisen operates about 15 electric buses in Tux, while seven buses run in Sölden through an initiative by Ötztaler Verkehrsgesellschaft. The leisure bus in Kufstein, operated by Stadtwerke Kufstein, is also electric, as is the Swarovski Kristallwelten shuttle operated by ÖBB-Postbus.