Transition towards a clean vehicle fleet including water-bound transport

Summary

The objective was to implement a transition towards a more eco-compatible fleet and cleaner public transport services while at the same time promoting the use of multimodal public transportation in order to reduce congestion and pollution in Genoa.

Implementing sustainable mobility

In response to the high levels of congestion and pollution in the city centre, the business plan of Genoa’s public transport operator (AMT) for 2007 to 2010, approved by the municipality of Genoa, was committed to the renewal and modernisation of the public transport fleet. In accordance with the shared objectives of the municipality and AMT, the new vehicles were fitted with more efficient and cleaner engines.

Progress

The carefully developed strategy included replacing the bus fleet with Euro IV (or higher standard) buses, enhanced environmentally friendly vehicles (EEV); installing particulate filters; and expanding the use of zero emission vehicles (ZEV) such as trolleybuses and underground trains. The strategy also included the substitution of diesel-operated buses on one route by new electric vehicles.

For its Drinbus service, AMT continued to operate minibuses capable of running on both diesel and methane gas.

As part of the transition strategy towards cleaner public transportation, an innovative marine transportation service was introduced in order to relieve city centre traffic congestion. Passengers on the Navebus pay only the price of a standard AMT bus ticket.
 

Outcomes

• 104 new clean vehicles were purchased with the CARAVEL framework (including Euro IV buses and dual-powered trolleybuses).
• The trolleybus line was renovated, and the second anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol was marked by free travel on trolleybuses in the city for one day.
• A recharging station for electric buses was constructed in Nervi.
• The introduction of cleaner vehicles in the city’s public transport fleet resulted in a reduction in emissions.