TPL: Line 5 Goes Electric

Starting December 14, 2025, the first fully electric articulated buses on Line 5 (Manno-Lamone-Lugano) are officially operational. The inauguration, held at the "Uovo di Manno" terminus, marked the concrete start of a sustainability strategy that Trasporti Pubblici Luganesi (TPL) has been pursuing for over a decade.

Numbers and Benefits of the Transition

Line 5 is one of the main arteries of the Lugano region, carrying over 2.3 million passengers annually. Thanks to the introduction of the new vehicles by Carrosserie Hess AG, the environmental impact on the territory has been drastically reduced:

• Emissions: Savings of 845 tons of per year.
• Consumption: Over 340,000 liters of fuel saved annually.
• Noise Pollution: 70% reduction in noise along the route.
• Efficiency: The buses guarantee up to 19.5 hours of continuous service thanks to rapid charging systems at the terminuses.

A Joint Investment

The operation required an investment exceeding 9 million francs, made possible through a public- private financing model involving the Canton, the Confederation (via FOT and FOEN/myclimate), and strategic partners such as AIL, BancaStato, and Vaudoise Assicurazioni.The technical support of AEM (Azienda Elettrica di Massagno) was also fundamental for the charging infrastructure and the supply of 100% renewable energy for public mobility.

AIL "For AIL, being the energy partner of the first electrified line in the Lugano area means making a concrete contribution to our region's energy transition," comments Angelo Bernasconi, CEO of AIL SA. "Sustainability is an integral part of our Company's strategy, and the path toward a carbon- free region by 2050 is a goal we have embraced, in line with federal and cantonal strategies. The electrification of mobility represents a fundamental lever in this direction, and, through this collaboration, we want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting change alongside local stakeholders. Not just as energy suppliers, but as active partners in an evolution that focuses on innovation, environmental respect, and the well-being of future generations."

AIL accompagna il cambiamento: al via la prima linea di bus elettrici del Luganese - AIL

BancaStato "We congratulate Trasporti Pubblici Luganesi (TPL SA) on the implementation of the new electric bus on Line 5, a commendable initiative that marks a significant step toward a sustainable future. BancaStato's support for this project is part of our commitment to contribute to the reduction of emissions, aligning perfectly with our sustainability strategy," underlines Fabrizio Cieslakiewicz, President of the General Management of BancaStato, who adds: "Branded with BancaStato’s distinctive identity, the bus not only provides a public transport service but also promotes a shared vision for an eco-responsible future. Together, we can contribute to a cleaner environment and sustainable development for our community."

Vaudoise Assicurazioni "Contributing to the arrival of this electric bus in Lugano is a concrete way to promote more sustainable mobility. We are honored to participate in a project that reduces environmental impact while simultaneously strengthening services for the population," explained Marco Garzelli, General Agent of Vaudoise Assicurazioni for Ticino.