by InTrieste
In a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility, the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) has announced plans to overhaul its public transport system with the introduction of a fleet of eco-friendly buses. The regional government has approved the purchase of 77 next-generation buses, part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions and modernize the aging fleet that serves the area’s urban and rural routes.
The new initiative, which will roll out over the next nine years, is funded by approximately €43 million from Italy’s National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Mobility. The plan places particular focus on integrating electric, hydrogen-powered, and methane-fueled vehicles into the region’s transit infrastructure. By 2033, the government aims to have significantly reduced carbon emissions across its transportation network.
“Through this project, we are making a bold commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Cristina Amirante, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Councilor for Infrastructure and Territory. “This marks a major renewal of our public transport fleet, where older vehicles will be replaced by eco-friendly alternatives, directly addressing pollution and the efficiency of our transit systems.”
Under the approved plan, the region will acquire 26 electric buses, 15 hydrogen-powered buses, and 36 methane-fueled buses, improving both urban and rural transport options. For the next five years, 2024-2028, the focus will be on introducing electric and hydrogen buses in city centers, while methane-powered buses will be used on extra-urban routes, capable of reaching remote mountainous areas without the need for recharging infrastructure.
The initiative continues through 2029-2033, when an additional 18 electric buses will be purchased for urban areas, and 29 methane buses will bolster rural services.
Regional Leaders in Green Transport
Friuli Venezia Giulia has emerged as a national leader in green transportation, thanks in part to the early adoption of the Regional Public Transport Plan, which prioritizes reducing the average age of buses in service. According to Amirante, the region’s proactive approach has placed it “at the forefront of public transport modernization in Italy.”
This push for sustainable transit is expected to bring long-term benefits. The switch to clean-energy buses not only cuts down on emissions but is also part of the broader goal to improve air quality in urban centers like Trieste, Udine, and Gorizia, where traffic congestion and pollution are growing concerns.
In Gorizia, 27 new vehicles, including 15 hydrogen-powered buses, 3 electric, and 9 methane-fueled buses, will serve the local population. Meanwhile, Pordenone will see an upgrade of 27 methane-powered buses on its extra-urban routes, and in Trieste, a total of 23 electric buses will be deployed for urban services.
The announcement comes as part of a wider regional effort to align with European Union climate goals, which call for a 90% reduction in transport-related emissions by 2050.
Amirante underscored the importance of future-proofing public transit: “We are laying the groundwork for a transportation system that not only meets the needs of today but anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. By integrating these green technologies, we aim to ensure that FVG remains a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious region.”
With more eco-friendly buses on the roads, Friuli Venezia Giulia hopes to set a benchmark for other regions across Italy and Europe, proving that even small regions can lead the way in sustainable development.
