Expanding its electric bus infrastructure
In a bid to promote cleaner and more sustainable public transport, the municipal transport operator in Oberhausen, Stoag, has announced ambitious plans to expand its battery-electric bus fleet and collaborate with neighbouring transport company Ruhrbahn to modernise the region's tram fleet.
Stoag, which operates approximately 130 buses, has set a goal to have more than half of all buses running on electricity by 2028. As of now, around 20 buses in its fleet are already battery-electric, and the company plans to purchase an additional 26 battery-electric buses in 2028, following the acquisition of an additional 23 next year.
The Stoag's bus fleet is expected to have a significant share of battery-electric buses by 2028, marking a move towards zero-emission vehicles. Meanwhile, the tram fleet will be renewed or expanded through the joint procurement with Ruhrbahn, aiming to standardise vehicles and improve service efficiency.
The trams operated by Stoag are currently undergoing upgrades to ensure they are future-proof. The maintenance of these trams on behalf of Stoag is handled by Ruhrbahn. Although the current type of fuel used by the trams was not specified, the joint purchase of new trams by Stoag and Ruhrbahn suggests a shift towards battery-electric technology.
The collaboration between Stoag and Ruhrbahn is noteworthy as it aligns with Oberhausen's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener transport solutions. The exact number and model types of buses and trams in the updated fleet cannot be provided at this time, as specific figures are not available from recent official documents or announcements.
For the most current and detailed data, it is recommended to consult the latest Stoag and Ruhrbahn press releases or regional transport authority plans, which often publish fleet modernization roadmaps, including electric bus rollouts and tram acquisitions.
The collaboration between Stoag and Ruhrbahn, which aims to modernize the region's tram fleet, could also signify a transition towards battery-electric trams, as indicated by their joint procurement plans. Given Stoag's ambitious goal to increase its battery-electric bus fleet, it is plausible that the finance industry may play a significant role in securing the necessary funds for this technological upgrade in the automotive sector. Moreover, the growth of battery-electric public transportation in the transportation industry could be a catalyst for further advancements in battery-electric technology across various sectors, including finance and technology.
