“This is an articulated bus with a capacity of 145 people. In terms of comfort, it is fully air-conditioned, and in terms of safety — under video surveillance,” said Roman Danko, general director of Dopravný podnik mesta Košice (DPMK). These words were spoken during the presentation of the first of eleven new articulated electric buses, which are expected to arrive in Kosice by the end of September 2026.
A new era of ecological transport
The city of Kosice is actively implementing modern solutions to improve the quality of public transport and reduce harmful emissions. The new 18-meter SOR NS 18 Electric buses, which will gradually replace old diesel buses, are part of a large-scale modernization. They will run on the busiest routes — 19, 71, and 72 — providing comfort and safety for passengers thanks to air conditioning and a video surveillance system.
Infrastructure for the future
To ensure the efficient operation of electric buses in Kosice, the necessary charging infrastructure has already been developed. Eight charging points have been installed at the KVP Kláštor turning area (Jána Pavla II street), and 12 charging stations will be available at the depot on Hornádska street. Charging will take place using a pantograph at the end stops, making them similar to trolleybuses. In the future, the city is also considering the possibility of dynamic charging of electric buses while moving via the contact network.
Funding and prospects
The project “Public passenger transport with zero emissions in the city of Kosice, Phase I” received financial support from European funds amounting to nearly 13.92 million euros. This indicates significant investments in the development of ecological and modern urban mobility. The total cost of one electric bus is 812,500 euros excluding VAT.
This initiative is part of a broader transport and transport facilities development strategy approved by the city council in September 2024. Thanks to such steps, Kosice aims to create a modern, ecological, and reliable public transport system that will become the priority choice for city residents.
