Herner tram relies on electric buses: change begins in 2025!

Herner tram relies on electric buses: change begins in 2025!

The Herner tram and transport company (HCR) started on April 28, 2025 with the construction work for the complete switch to electromobility. This step is part of a comprehensive initiative that protects both the environment and increases efficiency in public transport. The State Transport Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Krischer, handed over a decision on funding of 6.5 million euros at the beginning of the year, which are available for the necessary infrastructure measures. These funds are an important building block on the way to achieving ambitious climate goals.

comprehensive funding programs for climate -friendly buses

The BMDV has launched the third round of the funding for buses with alternative drives. These funding are part of the German structure and resilience plan (DARP) and are provided via European facilities. Sketches for the procurement of climate -friendly buses can be submitted by the transport companies from June 20, 2023 to September 10, 2023. The measures include the procurement of battery -operated buses, fuel cell buses and the conversion of conventional buses to alternative drives.

The total funding amount of the directive amounts to 1.75 billion euros. Preliminary assessments indicate that this initiative can promote around 5,000 buses with alternative drives. The current inventory of electrical buses in Germany, which comprises around 1,900 vehicles, is more than tripled by the funding measures.

Over 250 transport companies are currently receiving support, including eligible feasibility studies. An online seminar on the detailed presentation of the promotion of funding took place on July 6, 2023 and informed the potential applicants about the central criteria for applications such as the climate protection contribution and the operating context of the buses.

key projects in the area of ​​electromobility

In addition to promoting the BMDV, the research project "E-Bus 2030+" is supported. Federal Minister Dr. Volker Wissing handed over funding notices of 1.38 million euros for this project, which is intended to develop an integrated software solution for an emission-free electric bus system in public transport. The project partners are the Berlin transport companies (BVG), the Reiner Lemoine Institute (RLI) and the Technical University of Berlin.

by 2030 the BVG plans to switch its entire fleet to an electric drive. There are currently 138 e-buses in use, with a further 90 vehicles that are expected in 2023. The BMDV also promotes 320 electric joint buses and 30 solo vehicles, as well as their charging and maintenance infrastructure with almost 196 million euros for 2024 and 2025. Overall, the number of subsidized e-buses in Berlin should be increased to 578 by the end of 2025.

These comprehensive initiatives and funding programs form a strong foundation for the electrification of public transport in Germany and support the switch to climate -friendly mobility. The combination of funding strategies with innovative research projects shows the will of the Federal Government to change mobility sustainably and to meet the climate goals in traffic.

Overall, it can be seen that the development of electromobility in public transport is not only a technical progress, but also an important step towards environmentally friendly traffic solutions. The HCR and other transport companies are at the forefront to make the daily mobility experience for countless citizens more environmentally friendly.

For more information on the funding programs and applications, reference can be made to the page of the bmdv where detailed guidelines can be found. In addition, Radio Herne On the progress in the region and the operational measures for electromobility. Also the bmdv press release offers comprehensive information on the ongoing funding programs and aims in the area of ​​alternative drives.