Projects

Cagliari's public transport is aiming for the energy transition with the goal of a zero-emission fleet before 2033, and CTM SpA has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition journey: by 2026, the company will have 80% of its fleet made up of electric buses, with a total of 157 new vehicles already in the delivery phase, thanks to funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). This major investment was made possible by the Next Generation EU funds and measure M2C2 – Investment 4.4.1, aimed at the "Renewal of the regional bus fleet for public transport with clean fuel vehicles".

Under the PNRR Plan, the Municipality of Cagliari is the beneficiary of funding of over €108 million, with a commitment to put at least 152 electric buses into service by June 2026. CTM, appointed as the implementing body, has exceeded the minimum target by purchasing 157 vehicles, which will guarantee 80% electric coverage of urban public transport by 2026.

A strategic plan for electric conversion: new vehicles and new infrastructure

CTM has planned the gradual introduction of diversified electric vehicles to meet the various operational needs of the service, using a diversified energy mix for charging operations:

• 7 short buses (6.6 metres) with plug-in charging
• 12 medium buses (9.5 metres) with plug-in charging
• 40 standard buses (10.7 metres) with plug-in charging
• 80 12-metre buses with pantograph and plug-in charging
• 18 18-metre articulated buses with pantograph and plug-in charging

Together with the new vehicles, advanced charging systems will be installed at the Via Ciusa depot and at strategic points in the metropolitan network.

The infrastructure will allow a combination of slow and fast charging, optimising service requirements and ensuring maximum operational efficiency.

Expected environmental and technological benefits

The switch to electric will significantly reduce CO₂ and other pollutant emissions, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution. Other advantages include a reduction in the average age of the fleet, the strengthening of staff skills in new technologies, and improved safety and comfort both on board — thanks to advanced driving assistance systems — and for other vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, people with disabilities).

For further information on PNRR projects, please visit the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website: https://www.mit.gov.it/pnrr-news.

POR FESR Innovation: CTM's New Electronic Ticketing System

CTM S.p.A., in line with the directives of the Sardinia Region, has completed an important project to technologically upgrade its monetary system. The intervention, with a total value of over €1.7 million, aimed to modernise the infrastructure for the sale and validation of travel tickets, ensuring full interoperability with the regional system.

Technological Innovations

The CTM system has evolved to offer a smarter, faster and more accessible service. The main areas of intervention concerned:

• Contactless Technology and Interoperability: Software update of the central system and installation of 555 new validators (BV600) across the entire fleet. The new devices allow "tap & go" validation and are set up to read the new regional data standard.
• Strengthening sales channels: Activation of 8 new automatic ticket machines (TVM) operating 24/7 and distribution of 370 POS terminals and routers for authorised resellers, significantly improving the commercial network's capillarity.
• The TVMs are located at: PIAZZA MATTEOTTI Cagliari (beside ticket office) open 24 hours; PIAZZA MATTEOTTI Cagliari (Terminal 30/QEX opposite the FS station) open 24 hours; PIAZZA GIOVANNI XXIII Cagliari, open 24 hours; VIA ALGHERO Cagliari (corner of Dante), open 24 hours; CAPOLINEA OSPEDALE BROTZU, open 24 hours; POLICLINICO UNIVERSITARIO, open 24 hours; VIA BRIGATA SASSARI Quartu S. Elena (at CTM Point) Monday to Saturday 6:00 – 19:00.
• Digital Integration: Full interfacing between the new validators and on-board systems, the Bus Finder app, CTM web portal and company management systems.

"Monetica" Communication Campaign

The introduction of the new system was supported by a dedicated communication plan to inform users and accompany the change in travel habits.

• Activities completed: Complete graphic redesign of travel tickets and TVMs, production of video tutorial materials and usage guides for the new validators and TVMs.
• Results: The promotional campaign on institutional channels, local media and social networks generated high engagement, with 1,168,944 views, consolidating CTM's image as a forward-thinking company in Local Public Transport innovation.

Read the news: The new contactless ticketing system is launched

Funding

The project was carried out thanks to POR FESR 2014-2020 Axis IV – Action 4.6.3 Intervention "Completion of the electronic ticketing SBE systems and fleet monitoring AVM".

Project: "Upgrade of the electronic ticketing system of CTM SpA (including interoperability with the regional system)."