The eBussed project provides technical assistance for the transition from internal combustion engine public transport to electric bus fleet public transport. eBussed focuses on the exchange of experience between partner regions at various stages of e-bus development, thereby helping regions struggling with this highly technical and rapidly evolving field. Since not a single partner region has yet fully developed its roadmap for the transition to e-buses, new ideas, solutions and technologies can still be integrated into their development plans. eBussed will support the transition of European regions towards low-carbon mobility and more efficient public transport. It promotes the spread of e-bus fleets and supports the expansion of existing e-fleets.
Based on the project implementation schedule, IKOP Plus can be considered a realistic policy intervention objective. Transport development implemented under IKOP Plus continues to be an important tool for economic development and territorial cohesion, but in line with the European Green Deal, it places a strong emphasis on supporting sustainable forms of transport.
Priority Axis 1 of IKOP Plusz (Strengthening clean urban and suburban transport) is linked to the objectives of the project. The activities carried out so far in line with the project objectives and the defined frameworks have guided the measures of the action plan. Related activities included defining indicators of readiness for the introduction of e-buses, taking stock of incentives and barriers, technological expectations, a primary analysis of regional good practices, and the analysis of user attitudes. Based on these, 4 proposed measures were developed. Two of the measures will be further developed in spring 2022 based on policy consultations held with the Managing Authority for the Integrated Transport Operational Programme of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology (Managing Authority for Transport Programmes, Deputy State Secretariat for Transport Operational Programmes):
– Reducing the environmental impact of urban and suburban bus transport (Action 1),
– development of the electric charging network (Action 2).
Tasks undertaken in Action 1:
- Delineation of the pilot action area,
- review of the adaptability of best practices,
- Testing digital solutions – providing all the components necessary to ensure the optimal user experience.
Tasks undertaken in Action 2:
- Setting up an expert group to evaluate e-bus charging solutions (1 expert group, with the participation of at least 3 industry stakeholders),
- Development of model solutions for public electric bus charging networks,
- Organisation of professional, thematic online and in-person events.
The South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency (DDRIÜ) is cooperating with the Central Danube Region Development Agency (KDMFÜ) in connection with the eBussed project. The primary objective of the cooperation between KDMFÜ and DDRIÜ is for the two agencies to execute, to the best of their knowledge, every single task undertaken in the Action Plan.
The initial consultations have already taken place, where the two offices gave each other an insight into the concepts required for implementation. These include:
- understanding target groups other than those in the action plan, so the implementation will be less focused on the local public transport company,
- participation in the online event organised by the KDMFÜ,
- KDMFÜ is setting up an expert group which will perform 2 main activities:
– regional needs assessment where the eBussed project is also referenced,
– online content development, where the content of Action 1 will be the focus.
The eBussed project is implemented within the Interreg Europe Programme, co-financed by the European Union and the Hungarian State.