Brno launches tender for 40 new articulated trolleybuses as billion-koruna depot developments get under way

Following significant vehicle acquisitions in recent years, the transport operator of Brno in the Czech Republic, Dopravní podnik města Brna (DPMB), is preparing for another major fleet renewal programme, developing its operational infrastructure in parallel with modernising its trolleybus fleet. On 13 October, the company launched a public procurement procedure for up to 40 new articulated trolleybuses with off-wire capability. Thirty vehicles form the base quantity, with an option for a further 10 units. Two major depot developments are also on the agenda alongside the fleet renewal: the expansion of the trolleybus depot in Slatina is already under way, while preparations have begun for a comprehensive reconstruction in Komín.

DPMB, which currently operates 132 trolleybuses, intends to conclude a two-year framework agreement with the successful supplier under the newly announced procurement procedure. The 30 vehicles forming the base quantity are planned to enter service in two phases: delivery of the first 15 units is expected between 1 February and 30 June 2028, while the second batch of 15 is expected during the same period in 2029. The additional 10 trolleybuses may be ordered in 2028 and 2029, with a delivery deadline of up to 12 months.

Price is the sole criterion in the procurement procedure, with bids assessed on the basis of the unit purchase price of the articulated trolleybuses excluding VAT. Applied to the full quantity of 40 vehicles, the estimated total framework value of CZK 800 million equates to an average vehicle value of CZK 20 million, or approximately HUF 300 million, although this should not be regarded as the actual purchase price. In addition to vehicle deliveries, the contract also covers the provision of warranty and post-warranty service.

The procurement continues the significant renewal of Brno's trolleybus fleet carried out in recent years. Between 2021 and early 2025, the transport operator introduced a total of 92 new trolleybuses into service, including 40 Škoda 27Tr articulated, 40 Škoda 32Tr standard, with off-wire capability, as well as 12 SOR TNS 12 vehicles. At the same time, 82 ageing trolleybuses were withdrawn from the fleet. The current procurement, however, places greater emphasis than previous ones on articulated vehicles also capable of operating without overhead wires, as off-wire capability was not among the requirements when the previous 40 Škoda 27Tr vehicles were procured, meaning these trolleybuses can operate exclusively on the overhead-wire network.

Developing the infrastructure required to accommodate the new vehicles also requires substantial investment. DPMB has therefore placed the modernisation of its two trolleybus depots on the agenda, with the reconstruction of the Slatina depot already under way. The CZK 1.091 billion project includes a new two-storey storage building, with trolleybuses accommodated on the ground floor and buses on the upper level. The development will increase the depot's trolleybus capacity from the current 43 to around 75 vehicles, with completion scheduled for mid-2028. The timetable aligns with the planned arrival of the new articulated trolleybuses, as the first 15 vehicles under the newly announced procurement are likewise expected in the first half of 2028, meaning the expanded depot could be available for the next phase of fleet renewal.

The capacity expansion in Slatina is also a prerequisite for the comprehensive reconstruction of the Komín trolleybus depot, as accommodation for the vehicles based there and uninterrupted transport operations must be ensured during the works. On 12 October, DPMB announced the public procurement procedure for construction of the Komín project, which has an estimated value of CZK 800 million. The project will renew the infrastructure used for storing, maintaining and repairing trolleybuses, with a new storage hall, workshops, wash facility and converter substation also to be built. The development also includes staff flats and a fire station. Commissioning of the new facilities is scheduled for the end of June 2029, while completion of the entire project is planned for December of the same year. The planned commissioning of the Komín depot also coincides with the second phase of the vehicle procurement, under which a further 15 articulated trolleybuses could arrive in the first half of 2029. The schedules for the two depot developments and the delivery of the new vehicles are therefore closely aligned.

Alongside vehicle procurement and depot developments, Brno is also preparing to expand its trolleybus network. In May 2026, DPMB launched a construction procurement procedure, with an estimated value of CZK 400 million, for a new trolleybus route serving the Černovické terasy industrial area, which would replace the existing bus service. The project includes the installation of approximately 5.6 kilometres of new overhead wiring, as well as the construction of a new converter substation and the modernisation of the Slatina converter substation. The development, scheduled for 2026–2027, could see trolleybus services begin in the affected part of the city at the end of 2027.