The appearance of the Solaris Urbino city bus is enhanced by a new optional design and specification package. This makes the Urbino a "bus à haut niveau de service" (BHNS) according to wishes of French transport authorities and operators. Its look is characterised by a striking new front design, based on the Tramino low-floor tram.
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Solaris now offers a new optional design and specification package for the Urbino low-floor city bus. This is based on the French BHNS concept ("bus à haut niveau de service") and was developed in conjunction with Greater Paris transport authority Syndicat des transports d’Île-de-France (STIF) and Transdev.
BHNS is a comprehensive approach to further improving the attractiveness of bus-based public transport systems. This concept uses visually and functionally sophisticated vehicles powered by state-of-the-art climate-friendly engines and drive trains. Wherever possible, these buses are operated on dedicated busways, which are landscaped and furnished to highest standards in order to enhance their urban environment. BHNS refines international approaches to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
Specifications of the Urbino BHNS include a dynamic new front, which takes its cues from the Tramino low-floor tram. A camera for the Siemens Optiguide optical guidance system has been integrated into this new front. Drivers will find excellent working conditions in the spacious cab.
The Urbino BHNS is particularly accessible. By using super-single tyres on the second axle, aisle width was increased to 850 mm, allowing customers with pushchair and wheelchair users to move freely through this area. LED floor lighting and non-slip floors reduce trip and slip hazards. Passengers enjoy a bright and spacious interior thanks to a new lighting concept with illuminated ceiling panels and translucent articulation bellows. High-resolution screens mounted at ceiling level and above the wide doors show real-time information on routing and connections.
The BHNS design and specification package for the Solaris Urbino may be combined with different eco-friendly drive technologies, including the wide range of diesel-electric hybrid buses offered by Solaris.
STIF and Transdev will test the new Urbino BHNS on services in Greater Paris. Over the next years, STIF will establish a network of BHNS routes under the T Zen brand. These new routes will provide fast and frequent connections in the Parisian suburbs, complementing existing commuter rail and metro lines and tapping into further growth potential for buses as a green and sustainable mode of public transport.
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Information Solaris
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. is a leading producer of city and intercity buses in Europe. It focuses on the development of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles, i. e. electric and hydrogen buses as well as trolleybuses. Over 25,000 Solaris vehicles have been delivered so far and they ply the streets in 850 towns and cities across 33 countries located throughout Europe as well as beyond it. Solaris is part of the Spanish CAF Group (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) S.A. From conception, to the design and manufacturing phases, all Solaris buses are produced in Poland. All activities undertaken by the company are in line with its mission, which is reflected in the brand’s promise: to change the image of public transport. Solaris also actively partners with public transport operators and provides them with comprehensive support in their transition to zero-emission mobility. Solaris products have been repeatedly awarded for quality and innovation. The Urbino 18 hydrogen bus has won the prestigious 'Bus of the Year 2025' title.
Additional information
Mateusz Figaszewski
Institutional Partnerships and External Relations Director
mateusz.figaszewski@solarisbus.com
