Rebus Regionalbus Rostock GmbH (rebus) is embracing hydrogen as its drive technology of choice for the future. Today, the ceremonial launch of 52 hydrogen buses and two filling stations took place in Güstrow. This means that soon, almost a third of the fleet will be operating with zero emissions.
The project is supported by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV –Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr) with a total of 17.71 million euros in funding as part of the ‘Guideline for the funding of alternative drives for buses in passenger transport’ (Richtslinie zur Förderung alternativer Antriebe von Bussen im Personenverkehr). Funding for this measure is also being provided as part of the German Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP – Deutscher Aufbau- und Resilienzplan) via the European Recovery and Resilience Facilities (ARF – Europäische Aufbau- und Resilienzfazilitäten) in the NextGenerationEU programme. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH Berlin and implemented by the project management organisation Jülich (PtJ). The district of Rostock is contributing 7.8 million euros to the vehicle costs of the project.
The total investment amounts to approximately 40 million euros. With the commissioning of the 52 hydrogen buses and the two hydrogen filling stations, rebus will modernise almost a third of its fleet in a CO2-free manner. And it will do so exclusively with 100% green, locally produced hydrogen. This will make the municipal transport company of the Rostock district the operator of the second-largest hydrogen bus fleet in Germany and one of the largest in Europe.
Daniela Kluckert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport: “Hydrogen and fuel cell technology offers enormous potential, particularly for large vehicles such as buses, trucks, trains, aircraft and ships, to significantly reduce pollutant emissions. In order to accelerate the market launch of alternative drive systems and to promote the integration of climate-neutral technologies into our mobility infrastructure, the BMDV is supporting targeted measures and funding that is open to all technologies. With a total of 18 million euros, we at the BMDV are funding rebus Regionalbus Rostock GmbH to integrate 52 fuel cell buses into local public transport and to support the district of Rostock on its transition to sustainable mobility.”
Ines Jesse, State Secretary at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Tourism and Employment of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: “This investment is a milestone in the mobility transition and brings together two important future fields in our state: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania stands for green energy from wind, sun and hydrogen and, with its mobility offensive, for attractive public mobility offers in rural areas. 52 new hydrogen buses – that’s how rebus is setting standards in environmentally friendly local transport in Germany.”
Sebastian Constien, District Administrator of Rostock District: „In addition to a contribution of 7.8 million euros to the funding of the vehicles, the district of Rostock is also covering the potential additional costs of the new fuel, thereby boosting hydrogen production in the Rostock area.”
Fleet to be complete by the end of the year
The first 15 sky-blue hydrogen buses will be in service in Güstrow and the southernpart of the district of Rostock with immediate effect. The extremely quiet and vibration-free buses have up to 41 seats, generous spaces for prams, walkers and wheelchairs, USB sockets, seat belts, air conditioning, reversing cameras and turning assistants. The remaining 37 vehicles are to be delivered by the end of the year. These vehicles include 47 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen and five Urbino 18 hydrogen buses, which are manufactured in Poland. From 2025, the entire fleet of 52 hydrogen buses will be travelling throughout the district of Rostock sporting a uniform H2erO “Klimahelden” (“Climate Hero”) look.
About rebus Regionalbus Rostock GmbH
rebus Regionalbus Rostock GmbH is responsible for public transport and the entire school and training transportneeds in the service area of the administrative district of Rostock on behalf of its public shareholder, the Rostock District. The company’s annual mileage with 180 vehicles and 82 regional and city lines as well as the on-call bus rubi is approximately 9 million scheduled kilometres. rebus currently employs 366 people, 274 of whom are bus drivers. For more information, visit www.rebus.de
Image right: rebus/André König