Basel begins converting to electric buses

Basel - Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe are tendering the procurement of 62 electric buses. For the electrification of the entire bus fleet, 62 e-buses are to be purchased in a first step in 2022. Another 64 will be added in 2027. Then only electric buses should run in Basel.

Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe ( BVB ) are planning to procure a total of 126 electric buses by 2027. The BVG are thus implementing the statutory mandate to operate their public transport services in the canton of Basel-Stadt with 100 percent renewable energy by 2027. In the coming days, BVB will tender the first procurement phase for 62 e-buses. They are scheduled to go into operation in 2022. "I am pleased that after a long planning phase we can finally take the first concrete steps towards an environmentally friendly and modern e-bus system", BVB director Bruno Stehrenberger is quoted in a media release .

The services for the general planner of Garage Rank are also being put out to tender these days. It will be completely rebuilt between 2023 and 2027 because it no longer meets today's requirements. At a later point in time, living space is also to be realized there. During this construction phase, the buses will be parked on two replacement areas.

Industrielle Werke Basel ( IWB ) is responsible for setting up a corresponding charging structure in Garage Rank and in the provisional parking areas. In addition, the IWB will install so-called occasional charging points at five terminal stops, where buses can recharge their batteries while they are waiting. This increases their range and makes the entire bus network more flexible.

Converting the bus fleet will cost a total of around 360 million francs. Of this, around 147 million Swiss francs go to the procurement of the e-buses. The construction of the new Garage Rank, the temporary fixtures and other minor infrastructure adjustments cost around 161 million francs. The costs for setting up the charging infrastructure by IWB amount to around 52 million francs. The corresponding loan application is now with the Grand Council. mm