Mere standing objects

Transport turnaround in Brandenburg – 46 hydrogen buses stand still, millions fizzle out

The transport turnaround in Brandenburg is increasingly becoming a stress test. In Cottbus, 46 new hydrogen buses are standing unused at the depot, although each vehicle cost around 650,000 euros. The fuel is missing. At times, the buses had to be transported on diesel low-loaders to distant filling stations. At the same time, the delivery of ordered electric buses in Potsdam is delayed. Public transport in Brandenburg is thus stuck with diesel for longer than the political promises would have led us to expect.

The hydrogen buses in Cottbus are considered technically ready for use. Their procurement was supported by considerable state subsidies. But without hydrogen, they remain mere standing objects. There is no gas station of its own. Construction is underway, but completion is not planned until the first half of 2026.


Hmm, so there were times when the buses had to be transported on diesel low-loaders to distant filling stations. Imagine that, surely it's beyond anything Ed Miliband would consider...

Or possibly not.