Vienna is employing some old-fashioned technology to run shiny new electric buses wending their way through the narrow inner-city streets.

 

The Austrian capital is switching from buses powered by liquefied petroleum gas to a novel, first-of-its-kind fleet of electric buses that run unplugged, go anywhere, and recharge their batteries using the overhead power lines of older trams. Twelve of the buses, each of which can carry 40 passengers, are in service.

 

The electric buses are more expensive, but the city saved money by not having to build new infrastructure for the fleet. Moreover, some expenses are offset by lower operating costs, generally 25 percent to 35 percent less because of savings on fuel and maintenance

 

As Vienna shifts to electric buses, it is striving to be a leader in green transportation by testing new systems that can potentially create a cleaner, quieter downtown. Vienna is one of several European cities — struggling to square tight budgets with civic goals to meet climate targets — that are experimenting with new electric vehicles and infrastructure systems for buses and trains.

 

The red and white buses partly recharge in 10 to 15 minutes between runs by pulling into an existing tram station and hooking up to electric current via a pantograph, an arm on the roof that carries the electricity. While electricity itself is not environmentally friendly unless it comes from renewable sources, city officials figure the will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions 300 tons a year.