Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has presented the funding certificates to transport companies from all over Germany. Ruhrbahn GmbH is among the selected transport companies to benefit from the funding programme supporting alternative drive systems in bus transport. Managing Director Ahmet Avsar accepted the funding certificate in person. Ruhrbahn will receive a grant of approximately €11.6 million to purchase 52 modern fuel cell buses.
“This sends a strong signal for our region,” Avsar emphasised. “With the new hydrogen buses, we are consistently developing our mobility services – making them efficient, flexible, and future-proof. For our passengers, this primarily means reliable everyday mobility. We are also making a targeted investment in the future viability of the Ruhr region.”
Patrick Schnieder, Federal Transport Minister, commented: “With around €11.6 million in funding for 52 new hydrogen buses, we are strengthening modern and climate-friendly local public transport in the Ruhr region. Hydrogen offers long ranges, short refuelling times, and great operational flexibility, especially in densely connected regions. That's why we are supporting transport companies in modernising their fleets step by step – for clean mobility, economic strength, and reliable services for local residents.”
Modern technology for efficient local public transport
The 52 new solo fuel cell buses will gradually replace older diesel vehicles and will be deployed on various routes within the Ruhrbahn service area. Hydrogen buses offer long ranges, short refuelling times, and greater operational flexibility. This makes them particularly suitable for a dense and diverse network of routes like those found in the Ruhr region.
At the same time, the vehicles impress with their smooth ride, high passenger capacity, and modern features. Thus, the new fleet generation combines innovative technology with tangible added value in daily operation.
A clear decision in favour of hydrogen forms the basis of the investment, following a comprehensive, updated analysis of the long-term direction of the bus fleet. Within the framework of the ‘H2 Zero Emission’ project, battery, and hydrogen drives were systematically compared.
The result
Under the given conditions at Ruhrbahn, fuel cell propulsion proved to be particularly suitable from an economic and organisational perspective on the majority of lines. In addition to cost considerations, range, operational flexibility, and capacity were decisive factors in the strategic decision.
At the same time, the procurement strategy must allow for flexibility in the future. This means that Ruhrbahn must proceed in intermediate steps.
Step by step towards a modern fleet
Nineteen hydrogen-powered buses have been in operation in the Ruhrbahn service area since 2025. A further seven hydrogen buses are expected to be delivered and put into service by the end of 2026.
With the 52 additional vehicles now being funded, the hydrogen fleet will grow to a total of 78 buses by 2027/2028. Ruhrbahn's bus fleet currently comprises a total of 315 solo and articulated buses.
The investment is part of a long-term modernisation strategy. The aim is to further develop local public transport in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr technologically and to establish it as a reliable backbone of mobility in a strong metropolitan region.