The Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) has reinforced its commitment to sustainable public transport by introducing fourteen new all-electric buses into its fleet. Officials officially presented these zero-emission vehicles on Wednesday, representing a significant investment of €8.7 million. They are now set to serve key routes in the Baix Llobregat county.
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The AMB will prioritise these state-of-the-art buses for the SB1, SB2, SB3, and L46 lines. These routes are vital transport links for residents in the municipalities of Sant Boi de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Sant Just Desvern, and Cornellà de Llobregat, providing cleaner and quieter journeys for thousands of daily commuters.
A Greener Fleet for a Growing Metropolis
These latest additions form part of a wider, ongoing strategy by the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), the public body governing Barcelona’s 36 surrounding municipalities. This strategy aims to modernise its transport network and reduce its environmental footprint. Furthermore, according to an official statement, this initiative is a key component of the fleet’s renewal and expansion plan; the AMB has already incorporated almost 70 electric buses in recent months.
This push for cleaner vehicles aligns with broader regional efforts to improve air quality, including a plan to expand the Low Emission Zones in the metropolitan area. By replacing older, diesel-powered vehicles, the AMB aims to significantly cut emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
Official Endorsement for Sustainable Transport
Officials have welcomed the investment as a significant step forward. Carlos Cordón, the AMB’s Vice President of Mobility, Transport, and Sustainability, emphasised the authority’s dedication to this transition. “We celebrate our continued firm commitment to the renewal of the metropolitan bus fleet,” Cordón stated in comments reported by La Vanguardia. He further explained that with these new vehicles, the metropolitan bus service now operates “400 zero-emission buses.”
Local leaders also highlighted the direct benefit to their communities. Lluïsa Moret, Mayor of Sant Boi de Llobregat, described the upgraded public services as “vital” for a city like hers, underscoring the importance of reliable and environmentally friendly transport options for residents living outside Barcelona’s city centre.
An Expanding and Vital Network
The metropolitan bus service forms an indispensable part of the region’s public transport infrastructure, a fact evidenced by its impressive ridership figures. For instance, in 2023, the AMB’s services transported more passengers than the entire Renfe train network across Catalonia, highlighting the system’s crucial role in regional mobility. This recent investment in towns along the Llobregat river, which includes the recently launched M15 line connecting Cornellà to Barcelona, demonstrates a strategic focus on improving connectivity in these densely populated areas.
The shift towards electric vehicles is a multi-faceted approach to promoting sustainable urban travel. It complements other initiatives, such as the city’s offer of a €600 subsidy for residents purchasing electric mopeds. As the AMB continues to phase out fossil-fuel-powered buses, passengers can expect a quieter, cleaner, and more modern travel experience across the metropolitan network.
