Published on
October 17, 2025
PKM Świerklaniec, a center for urban transport located in the southern region of Poland, has won a major contract from Solaris Bus & Coach for the supply of 42 electric Urbino buses. This initiative is part of the efforts taken by the GZM Metropolis to upgrade the public transport system in the region. The buses will be supplied by the second quarter of 2026. They will be instrumental in addressing the regional connectivity issues, promoting sustainable tourism, and improving passenger amenities in the entire Silesian region.
Improving Access for Tourists
The order comprises 24 units of the 12-meter Urbino 12 electric buses and 18 units of the 18-meter articulated Urbino 18 electric buses. These buses can accommodate 70 and 120 passengers, respectively, suited for high demand routes servicing Świerklaniec to the major cities of Katowice, Gliwice, and Sosnowiec.
Silesian region urban routes are vital to tourism. In Katowice, visitors can use electric buses to reach sites such as the Silesian Museum, which hosts a wonderful collection of art, history, and industrial heritage. In Gliwice, the renowned Gliwice Radio Tower awaits travelers alongside lovely botanical gardens. Enhanced bus routes will promote tourism in each of the cities and the region.
Moreover, the electric buses will enhance sustainable travel for tourists in Katowice visiting the Valley of Three Ponds. This leisure area, which is a prominent touristic site popular for walking, biking, and nature activities, will be even more accessible with the new electric buses.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Poland has been promoting sustainable tourism, and the introduction of electric buses is a perfect fit for the national goal. The new Urbino electric buses will lessen the region’s carbon footprint by providing a cleaner and quieter alternative to traditional diesel buses. The shift to electric vehicles not only promotes environmental sustainability but also supports the region’s broader tourism strategy to attract eco-conscious travelers.
Electric buses further improve the experience for emission-conscious tourists by providing a green way to get around the region. They further decrease the level of noise pollution, enhancing the environmental experience for tourists, especially at the central urban areas and the nature tourism sites.
The Silesian region’s very rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty is making it a rising star for sustainable tourism. The additional investment to improve public transport will also have benefits in the region’s economy by making the region more attractive to tourists that prefer green travel options.
Infrastructure Developments to Facilitate Tourism
In efforts to expedite the operations of these electric buses, Solaris will additionally provide and install depot charging infrastructure to the Świerklaniec depot. For the new fleet to function properly, these buses need to be charged without the downtime associated with longer charge times. Having quick charging stations will help boost the regional public transport services.
The charging infrastructure will aid in public transport, and will also help with the adoption and growth of electric vehicles in the area. Charging facilities working toward electric buses will help the Silesian authorities with a shift toward clean energy in public transport throughout Poland.
The charging facilities will also be available for the general public, also assisting in the promotion of clean vehicular travel in the region and available to other electric vehicle user to help perpetuate clean transportation initiatives. This step is part of the modern approach to Polish urban mobility and dedicates Poland to a more environmentally friendly approach to transportation.
Increasing Accessibility and Expanding Development Potential of Tourism
These electric buses shall boost tourism in Świerklaniec and the surrounding Silesian region by providing access to proper key sites. The Silesian region is full of history and culture, and has factories, chapels, Cathedrals, and various attractions in the region. The electric buses shall make travel to and in the Silesian region easier and more efficient. With the new buses, travel to Katowice to view infrastructure is seamless, the same for the picturesque view of the Valley of Three Ponds, and even reaching the historic area of Gliwice shall be easier.
Moreover, the spending and revenues generated in the region shall increase due to the enhanced public transport. People shall be able to travel more and spend their money. Tourists shall increase in the region due to the easier access for various attractions, and hence the tourism-related businesses shall spend more on the region. Tourists shall be able to access various attractions, resulting in more income to the region.
With the introduction of the new electric fleet, tourists will have increased access to the Poko Świat Mówi Beskidy Mountains, a renowned hiking spot, alongside a number of lesser known treasures of the Silesia region, such as the the distinct historical towns that pop up throught the territory, and the majestic mountains that encompasses them. These regional transport improvements are likely to increase rural tourism and bolster the overall Silesian region’s development.
Conclusion
By Mid 2026, PKM Swierklaniec will receive 42 buses, which represent a great leap towards sustainable transport in the region. The new buses will be accompanied with the relative support charge stations, which are bound to reduce the level of emissions from visitors and locals, and provide a cleaner, more efficient way to travel around the Silesian region. Not only this, the development of the buses along with their charge stations will enhance the accessibily of the region, and promote tourism along with sustainable development and tourism goals.
Poland is still working towards a more eco-friendly public transport, and the addition of electric buses is another step towards this goal. With this goal, the Silesia region is becoming a top travel destination that appeals to eco-minded travelers who want to travel comfortably.
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