by InTrieste
Trieste, a city known for being an early adopter of electric public transport over a century ago, is now taking another significant step toward sustainability. Starting tomorrow, the city will deploy its first 13 electric buses, part of a broader initiative to modernize its public transport system and drastically reduce emissions. By 2030, Trieste aims to have 137 electric buses on its streets, slashing the city’s carbon footprint by more than 8,000 metric tons annually.
This ambitious transition, supported by €103.5 million in funding from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), is a collaboration between Trieste Trasporti, the Municipality of Trieste, and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. The first wave of buses will operate on key routes and feature a 500-kilometer battery range, significantly enhancing public transit while offering more seating and quieter, cleaner operations than traditional diesel buses.
“This is about more than replacing buses; it’s a transformation of how we move and live,” said Maurizio Marzi Wildauer, president of Trieste Trasporti. “We’re improving quality of life in the city by reducing noise and emissions.”
The initiative comes as European cities work to meet stricter environmental standards. Trieste’s efforts are aligned with the European Union’s Green Deal, which mandates that by 2030, half of all public transport fleets must be powered by electric, hydrogen, or natural gas.
Regional and city officials, including Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, have emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of the transition. In addition to cutting pollution, the move toward electric buses is expected to drive innovation in the local job market, with new roles in vehicle maintenance and renewable energy.
The investment is part of a larger European push to overhaul transportation systems and infrastructure, and Trieste’s leadership hopes the initiative will serve as a model for other cities.
“Trieste is proving once again that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Pierpaolo Roberti, regional councilor for local authorities and public safety. “This is a significant step in reducing emissions and setting the pace for greener cities across Europe.”
With the fleet rollout set to continue over the next six years, Trieste is positioning itself as a leader in green transportation, echoing its pioneering role in electrifying its tram system more than a century ago.
Interview: Maurizio Marzi Wildauer, president of Trieste Trasporti, regional councilor for environment and energy Fabio Scoccimarro
