Nine new electric buses will be delivered to the Metropolis GZM thanks to the Just Transition Fund

The Metropolis of Upper Silesia and Zagłębie is investing in the development of zero-emission public transport. Nine new electric buses, along with charging infrastructure, will be delivered to PKM Świerklaniec. The total project value exceeds PLN 28 million, approximately 80% of which is funded by the Just Transition Fund.

On August 21st, the Metropolis of Upper Silesia and Zagłębie signed a contract with PAK PCE Polski Autobus Wodowy Sp. z o.o. for the delivery of nine electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. The investment is scheduled for completion by March 2027.

"We are investing in modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly transport. Thanks to the funds from the Just Transition Fund, we can accelerate fleet replacement and develop zero-emission transport in further parts of the Metropolis." The new buses are primarily a benefit to residents – quieter and more comfortable journeys and modern transport infrastructure – says Igor Śmietański, Vice-Chairman of the Silesian Voivodeship Board.

The project received funding from the European Funds for Silesia 2021–2027, under the Just Transition Fund, under the "European Funds for Transformation – Improving the mobility of the region's residents and the transport cohesion of mining subregions" measure.

"Silesian cities are changing and developing largely thanks to EU funds. The Just Transition Fund plays a significant role here. Today's agreement will contribute not only to improving travel comfort for the region's residents but also to improving air quality. The purchase of low-emission vehicles is an investment in more environmentally friendly and eco-friendly transport," says Waldemar Bojarun, Member of the Silesian Voivodeship Board.

The new fleet will be delivered to PKM Świerklaniec. It will consist of nine twelve-meter electric buses. The project also includes the construction of four two-station charging stations – one with an 80 kW power output and three with a 120 kW power output. This will provide the carrier not only with modern vehicles but also with comprehensive facilities for their efficient operation.

The buses will be manufactured by the Polish company PAK PCE Polski Autobus Wodowy (Polish Hydrogen Bus), and assembly will take place at the production plant in Świdnik. This will be the first delivery of electric buses from this manufacturer, which has previously been primarily associated with hydrogen technologies. Eight hydrogen buses manufactured by PAK PCE are already operating on the roads of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis.

"We are pleased to continue our cooperation with the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. This is the second contract with the carrier serving the GZM region. This time, we will deliver nine 12-meter electric buses, which will be able to carry up to 72 passengers and travel up to 350 kilometers on a single charge." The vehicles will be delivered in the first quarter of 2027," says Maciej Nietopiel, CEO of PAK PCE Polski Autobus Wodowy (Polish Hydrogen Bus).

The new vehicles will be equipped with solutions that enhance travel comfort and safety. Passengers will benefit from air-conditioned interiors, and the vehicles will be equipped with monitoring, a lane change assistant, and a 360-degree camera system, among other features. Modern driver assistance systems will improve visibility around the bus and facilitate maneuvering in city traffic.

The investment is consistent with GZM's consistently implemented strategy for developing zero-emission transport. Modernizing the fleet means not only reduced emissions but also quieter, more comfortable, and safer journeys for residents.

The purchase of additional electric buses is part of a broader transformation of public transport in the metropolitan area. GZM, utilizing available European funds, is developing modern fleet and infrastructure that will meet the needs of residents while supporting the process of a just transition in the region.