An Optimistic Vision for Public Transport in Bucharest City After the Bus Fleet Upgrades

Abstract

Air pollution caused by CO2 emissions has become a global issue of vital importance, posing irreversible risks to health and life when concentration of CO2 becomes too high. This study aims to estimate the CO2 emissions and carbon footprint of the public transport bus fleet in Bucharest, with a comparative analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by diesel and electric buses of the Bucharest Public Transport Company (STB S.A.) in the period 2021–2024, after the modernization of the fleet through the introduction of 130 hybrid buses and 58 electric buses. In 2024, the introduction of electric buses and the reduction in diesel bus mileage reduced GHG emissions by almost 13% compared to 2023, saving over 11 kilotons of CO2e. There was also a 2.68% reduction in the specific carbon footprint compared to the previous year, which is clear evidence of the potential of electric vehicles in achieving decarbonization targets. We have also developed two strategies, one for 2025 and one for the period 2025–2030, replacing the aging fleet with electric vehicles. This demonstrates the relevance of electric transport integrated into the sustainable development strategy for urban mobility systems and alignment with European standards, including improving air quality and living standards.