# Europe's public transport: A data-driven green reality check

> Electric buses cut EU air pollution but progress lags.
- Title: Europe's public transport: A data-driven green reality check
- Summary: Electric buses cut EU air pollution but progress lags. European cities have 1,234 more electric buses since 2021 but only four committed to zero-emission…
- Keywords: public transport, electric buses, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, transport emissions, copenhagen, brussels, london, stockholm, ljubljana, diesel buses, Europe's
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/how-green-is-europe-s-urban-public-transport-a-data-driven-reality-check/a-79406721?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: eu, public transport, electric buses, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, transport emissions, copenhagen, brussels, london, stockholm, ljubljana, diesel buses
## Electric buses grow in europe
Electric buses are becoming increasingly common in european cities like brussels and madrid.
## Tailpipe emissions impact air quality
Removing tailpipe emissions might be the easiest strategy to improve public transport air quality.

> the easiest strategy to improve public transport
## Air pollution causes 300,000 eu deaths
In 2023, almost 300,000 deaths across the eu were caused by air pollution levels exceeding who recommended thresholds.
## Road transport contributes 14% of pm2.5
Of all fine particulate matter concentrations in european urban areas, about 14% come from road transport.
## Cities commit to 148 sustainability pledges
DW and the european data journalism network identified 148 sustainability commitments by local authorities in 33 european cities.
## Copenhagen almost fully electrified
Copenhagen is the only eu capital with almost entirely electric bus fleets without combustion engines.
## Rome and other cities use diesel buses
In cities like rome, lisbon and nicosia, more than 90% of buses still run on diesel.
## Electric buses increase 55% since 2021
Electric buses comprise 20% of the total fleet in eu capitals and selected cities, increasing by 55% between 2021 and 2025.
## Brussels electrifies slowly
Brussels switched to hybrid buses before electrifying its fleet at a slower pace.
## Hydrogen buses cost more
Hydrogen-powered buses produce zero emissions but are more costly to operate than electric buses.
## Only four cities commit to zero emissions
DW analysis reveals only four cities have explicitly committed to achieving zero-emissions in buses or all public transport.
## Public transport reduces emissions
Public transport accounts for more than a quarter of trips in the ten largest eu capitals.
## Key takeaway

European cities have 1,234 more electric buses since 2021 but only four committed to zero-emission public transport by 2050.