Tallinn eliminates 25,000 tons of CO2 with Cummins power

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, has taken a big step forward in sustainability with a new fleet of 350 Solaris Urbino CNG buses powered by Cummins L9N engines which run on renewable biomethane gas. By the end of this year, the new buses will achieve a 70 percent renewal of the bus fleet, replacing older-generation buses with the most modern vehicles to meet passenger expectations. Operated by AS Tallinna Linnatransport, the buses are improving air quality in the city while also meeting a climate action goal to lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25,000 tons a year.  

Situated on the shores of the Baltic, the historic city of Tallinn is home to many start-up and high-tech companies. It was recently crowned as the European Green Capital for 2023 and recognized as a pioneer in sustainability across the continent. The arrival of the new Cummins-powered buses with an extremely low carbon footprint helped to boost the environmental credentials of the city in terms of sustainable urban mobility.   

“We are delighted that Cummins natural gas bus power is helping Tallinn become the green capital of the Baltic and demonstrate how our engine technology can achieve immediate results in lowering the carbon footprint of fleets,” said Dariusz Kosek, Territory Manager, Cummins Europe. 

Built in Poland, the Tallinn fleet includes both the low floor 12m Urbino carrying up to 80 passengers as well as the 18-meter articulated version able to accommodate up to 150 passengers, bringing extra passenger capacity during busy commuting times. The low floor, multi-door bus design provides easy access and improved sociability due to the smooth, quiet operation of the L9N natural gas engine with 320 horsepower. In addition to ultra-low emissions, the buses also deliver rugged strength, as they will typically cover 50,000 miles a year. 

Ahead of the new buses entering service, a network of compressed gas refueling points were installed at the two main bus terminals, with gas supply fed from newly established biogas plants producing the near-zero-carbon fuel from biowaste.  

With 76 percent of residents in the city using public transport, the new buses play an important role in keeping the city on the move. Both drivers and passengers have given a big thumbs up to the new buses in regular surveys conducted by the bus operator, recording very high levels of satisfaction.

Cummins is on the road to destination zero and powering this fleet in Tallinn with natural gas engines, is a stride on that journey. This is yet another example of how the company partners with customers, to protect and preserve the environment.