For two days, on 20–21 May 2025, Rimini, Italy, stood at the centre of European electric mobility. The city hosted around thirty public transport experts from twelve countries for the fourth meeting of the eBRT2030 project User Group.
These meetings bring together international experts, PTOs and PTAs who are investigating the possibility of implementing BRT systems in their own cities – combined with innovative solutions for charging systems, automation, intelligent fleet management and safety. The main objective of the User Group is to demonstrate the potential and applicability of a new generation of electric BRT systems across different urban contexts, and to support their wider uptake.
Rimini launches the demonstration of the new innovations on its Metromare eBRT system – an example of sustainable and innovative public service
During the two days, participants had the opportunity to experience the Metromare service first-hand – the protagonist of the meeting – and to learn more about the innovations already in place, as well as those still to come.
The Metromare is an electric rapid transit system that connects Rimini to Riccione in just over 20 minutes with in-motion charging trolleybuses. Due to its success, there are now plans to extend the line further, reaching the Rimini Exhibition Centre by 2026. As announced by Stefano Giannini, President of PMR Patrimonio Mobilità Provincia di Rimini, the executive project for this extension is imminent, with future ambitions to expand towards Santarcangelo and Cattolica, alongside further innovations under development within the eBRT2030 project.
Rimini is, in fact, one of the six demonstration sites of the eBRT2030 project, coordinated by Start Romagna with the involvement of the University of Bologna – Cesena Campus, Enel X and ASSTRA, the national association of public transport companies. Soon, other Italian cities, including Bergamo, Taranto, Vicenza and Turin, will also inaugurate new BRT systems.
Stefano Sirri, Head of Innovation at Start Romagna, illustrated the technologies being tested: from safety systems with automatic pedestrian detection (using smart cameras), to dynamic frequency regulation, real-time information for passengers (on board and at the stops), and the optimised energy consumption for heating and ventilation.
Reflecting on the role of the service, Roberto Sacchetti, President of Start Romagna – who also spoke on behalf of ASSTRA – said: “The Metromare has definitively paved the way for the future of public transport in the Rimini area. The punctuality of the service together with safety are decisive factors for the attractiveness of public transport and the consequent reduction of private cars on the roads.”
The importance of the knowledge exchange of these meetings was echoed by Simon Collet (TEC) and Eduardo Gonzales (dBus), co-chairs of the User Group, who said: “We are honored to be in Rimini to get to know the Metromare service up close. These meetings are key to fostering innovation in electric BRT systems.”
The days in Rimini once again confirmed the central role of the Metromare in the European electric transport landscape, showing what a replicable model of sustainable, efficient, and safe public mobility can look like.
And the uptake of eBRT2030 continues
This was the fourth study tour within the framework of the eBRT2030 project user group, following earlier stops in Barcelona, Lund, and Nantes. More User Group meetings will take place throughout the project to solidify its global reach, and an upcoming conference will occur during the next UITP Summit in Hamburg.
As the eBRT2030 network grows, local political support remains crucial. Simone Imola, Councillor for Transport of the Municipality of Riccione, reaffirmed this commitment and expressed his full support for both the ongoing work and the broader eBRT2030 project, describing it as an important step in the transition towards ecological and integrated mobility.
eBRT2030 continues its journey to promote the transition to electric mobility in public transport, increase the energy efficiency of the system and further improve the safety of the routes. Stay tuned!
