First fuel cell bus (by Solaris) delivered in Poland

7 July saw the delivery of the first ever hydrogen public transport bus in Poland. A Solaris Urbino 12 fuel cell bus is being leased by public transport operator Miejskie Zakłady Komunikacji [MZK] in Konin.

First fuel cell bus in Poland

The Solaris fuel cell bus destined for Konin will cover around 300 kilometres on work days and Saturdays, and about 200 kilometres on Sundays and holidays. The hydrogen-fuelled bus will be deployed on bus routes 50, 52, 54, 56 and 59. Refuelling will take place at a dedicated mobile refuelling station located on the premises of the power plant ZE PAK S.A. in Konin, Przemysłowa Street.

Solaris points out that the Upper Silesian metropolitan area has declared an intention to purchase 20 buses of this type, while the city of Poznań has committed to buying 25 such vehicles, and Cracow up to 150 units.

“The hydrogen economy is becoming an area in which more and more sectors are getting involved: aviation, rail, industry, energy and housing. Our company embarked on this forward-looking direction several years ago now, and days like today are our greatest reward and proof that our projects are becoming a reality. Today, the city of Konin is opening up a new chapter in the history of public transport in Poland, a chapter featuring cutting-edge hydrogen-fuelled public transport vehicles”, said Javier Calleja, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach.

“Undoubtedly, buses equipped with hydrogen fuel cells are the future of public transport. A future that today is becoming reality in Konin. Boldly, but also fully aware of our responsibility, we are starting ‘here and now’ this hydrogen transport venture, because numerous operators and authorities responsible for public transport in Poland are waiting to learn from our experience”, summed up Magdalena Przybyła, CEO of MZK Konin.