Environment & Sustainability | Albus

Sustainability at Albus Salzburg

Buses are among the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. Join Albus in contributing to climate protection.

Albus Salzburg - a green company

Green is not only the logo of Albus Salzburg but also the guiding principle of this longstanding company. Environmental protection plays a central role in our business efforts: the first electric buses are already in operation on our line routes. The number of emission-free vehicles will be significantly increased in the coming years. When you travel with Albus Salzburg, you are protecting the environment!

Award-winning flagship project: Photovoltaic system for green mobility

In 2025, a flagship project was implemented at the Albus Salzburg operational site, marking a significant milestone for the Dr. Richard Group and the entire Austrian bus industry. A canopy covering over 4,200 m² and equipped with more than 1,700 photovoltaic modules now generates green electricity directly on-site for the electric fleet. Currently, Albus Salzburg operates 15 electric buses in regular service, with plans to expand the fleet to around 80 by the end of 2028. With this new solar canopy, the bus company is making a strong statement for e-mobility in public transport that resonates far beyond the borders of Salzburg. For this pioneering project, Albus Salzburg was awarded the VCÖ Mobility Award Salzburg 2025.

The GAISBERGBUS – line 151 now operates completely emission-free & on a new schedule

In cooperation with the City of Salzburg and the Salzburg Transport Association, Albus has successfully converted line 151 to the Gaisberg from diesel buses to fully battery-electric buses.

All information about this transition can be found here.

The Gaisberg line leads to a popular recreational area near the city of Salzburg. The schedule has now been intensified: on weekends, the Gaisbergbus runs every 30 minutes and on weekdays, every 60 minutes from Mirabellplatz to the Gaisberg summit plateau at over 1,280 meters above sea level.

E-Bus vs. E-Car: the mountain challenge on the Gaisberg

Harry Lixl and Geri Auerbach put the electric bus to the test: our Albus electric bus competed against an electric car in an efficiency race up the Gaisberg. The demonstration highlighted how the modern battery bus operates and showcased its advantages over its diesel-powered predecessors. The conclusion: after accounting for regenerative braking, the e-bus only uses 10% of its battery capacity!

First electric bus lines in regular operation at Albus Salzburg

True to the motto #Albus drives E-Bus, the drive technology of “tomorrow” is already being used “today” at Albus Salzburg. The e-buses have a range of 370 kilometers without intermediate charging. This is a masterpiece in the field of public e-mobility. Thanks to their fully electric drive, the buses produce zero pollutant and CO₂ emissions, achieving true “Zero Emission” status. The vehicles are equipped with the latest technology and feature a low-floor design for easy accessibility.

Lines 181, 36 and 11 – Salzburg’s fully electric bus lines in regular service

Lines 181, 36 and 11 are Salzburg’s first fully electric bus routes. Lines 181 and 36 demonstrate that sustainable transport transitions are not only possible within the city but also in the surrounding communities. Line 11 has been in operation for over two years, running from the Messezentrum through the regional hospital and the Leopoldskron outdoor pool to Josefiau. On this key route, Albus Salzburg safely transports more than 730,000 passengers annually and now completely emission-free. For Albus Salzburg, this marks just the beginning of a long-term strategy to shape the future of public transport in Salzburg.

First electric ski bus in regular service at Snow Space Salzburg

Since this winter season, Albus Salzburg has been operating an environmentally friendly electric ski bus in regular service in Flachau. The new e-bus runs on one of the 21 ski bus routes covering Flachau, Wagrain and St. Johann. Thanks to advanced battery technology, the bus easily has enough capacity for a full day of skiing, even in winter conditions. Its intelligent energy recovery system captures braking energy on downhill stretches to further extend its range. The bus is charged overnight directly at the cable car station.

Electric on the slopes: the ultimate test in the ski area!

As the operator of several fully electric bus lines, Albus Salzburg is a pioneer in public electric mobility. Albus Salzburg tested a battery-powered line bus as a ski bus in the Snow Space Flachau ski area. Under winter conditions, the modern technology not only easily matched the performance of traditional diesel buses but also demonstrated several distinct advantages. In the documentary “Grand Turismo Electric,” Christian Clerici himself rides as a passenger and experiences the modern electric line bus firsthand.

Up to 4,095 tons less CO₂ per year thanks to HVO-100

As a responsible company, Albus Salzburg pursues a clear vision: advancing sustainable mobility and contributing to the transport transition. The joint location of Albus Salzburg and Dr. Richard is once again setting a strong example for environmental protection: both the line bus fleet and the coach fleet are now powered by HVO100, a fossil-free, sustainable fuel. 

HVO-100: the fuel of the future

  • Up to 90% less CO₂ emissions
  • Up to 33% fewer fine dust particles and reduced particulate matter
  • Up to 9% less nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • Up to 30% less hydrocarbons (HC)
  • Up to 24% less carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Lower emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Nearly 100% odorless (free from sulfur, oxygen and aromatics