The representatives of Solaris Bus & Coach signed the European Declaration for clean (alternatively fuelled) buses implementation. The document, signed by the European Commission and the industry’s leaders is an expression of support for the mass deployment of fully emission-free and alternatively fuelled buses.
The European Declaration – as the authors emphasize – is an initiative based on the following three pillars: the commitment of the cities and manufacturers to jointly accelerate the process of reducing emissions, the creation of a platform for the exchange of information between local authorities, transport operators and financial organizations, and an establishment of a group of experts to serve a professional expertise in technology, economics and logistics.
In the justification for the establishment of the Declaration, the European Commission emphasizes that low and zero emission mobility is the most effective way of public transport in the regions and cities. It brings mobility brings significant benefits to the citizens while enhancing the innovation and competitiveness of the industry. In Europe, the process has already begun, as evidenced by the recent actions taken by the authorities of the largest European metropolises. Athens, Paris and Madrid plan to eliminate combustion powered public transport by 2025. Other cities and regions also announced their plans to refrain from buying conventionally powered buses. Among them are Copenhagen (in place since 2014), London (announced for 2018), Berlin (announced for 2020) or Oslo (announced for 2020).
Apart from Solaris, other signatories of the Declaration created by the European Committee of the Regions included major European producers, the representatives of European metropolises and transport operators. Bearing in mind the current challenges of depletion of natural resources, climate change and excessive environment pollution, Solaris Bus & Coach takes several actions towards minimizing the negative impact on its individual elements by providing ecological public transport vehicles since 2001. One of the emission-free products offered by the manufacturer, the new Solaris Urbino 12 electric, was awarded ‘Bus of the Year 2017’ award.
Information Solaris
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. is one of the leading producers of city and intercity buses in Europe. It focuses in particular on the development of zero-emission vehicles, i. e. electric and hydrogen buses as well as trolleybuses. This has resulted in the widest zero-emission product range in the European market and a leading position in this segment with a market share of 15.2%. Nearly 25,000 Solaris vehicles have been delivered so far and they ply the streets in 850 towns and cities across 33 countries located throughout Europe as well as beyond it. Solaris is part of the Spanish CAF Group (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) S.A. From conception, to the design and manufacturing phases, all Solaris buses are produced in Poland. Moreover, all activities undertaken by the manufacturer are in line with the brand’s mission, which is reflected in the motto “We are changing the image of public transport”. Solaris also actively partners with public transport operators and provides them with comprehensive support in their transition to zero-emission mobility.
Additional information
Mateusz Figaszewski
E-mobility Development & Market Intelligence Director
mateusz.figaszewski@solarisbus.com
