Warsaw Suspends Solbus Fleet After Series of Bus Fires
The Warsaw Transport Authority has pulled 37 LNG-powered Solbus city buses from service for mandatory technical inspections following a dramatic fire on al. Stan贸w Zjednoczonych that resulted in no...
The Warsaw Transport Authority has pulled 37 LNG-powered Solbus city buses from service for mandatory technical inspections following a dramatic fire on al. Stan贸w Zjednoczonych that resulted in no casualties.
Table Of Content
Preventive Fleet Grounding
Warsaw’s Solbus fleet faces renewed scrutiny after a city bus caught fire on al. Stan贸w Zjednoczonych. The Warsaw Transport Authority (ZTM) has decided to temporarily withdraw 37 gas-powered Solbus vehicles from circulation.
ZTM spokesperson Tomasz Kunert confirmed that the move is a precautionary measure, mandating comprehensive technical inspections for all affected buses.
The Incident on al. Stan贸w Zjednoczonych
The most serious incident occurred on June 17, 2026, in Praga-Po艂udnie. A line 411 bus traveling near the 艁azienkowska Route caught fire while carrying approximately 20 passengers.
Emergency services reported that all passengers evacuated safely before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were sustained. Firefighters established a wide safety perimeter and blocked traffic toward Praga due to the vehicle’s LNG fuel system.
Causes and Technical Investigations
Authorities are investigating a potential hydraulic fluid leak near the engine bay or a general engine failure. Determining the exact cause is difficult because the bus was completely destroyed by the blaze.
These 18-meter articulated Solcity 18 LNG buses have been a staple of Warsaw鈥檚 public transport for years. The withdrawal impacts a specific, recognizable segment of the current fleet.
A History of Technical Failures
This incident is not an isolated event. On June 26, 2026, a minor engine fire occurred on a line 507 bus on Al. Jerozolimskie. Additionally, a Solbus SM18 bus operating on line 189 caught fire near the Wa艂owicka stop in W艂ochy on the night of April 11-12, 2024.
Operational Impact and Future Outlook
ZTM officials state that the suspension will not disrupt public transport schedules, as fewer buses are required during the summer morning peak. MZA spokesperson Adam Stawicki noted that cleared vehicles will return to service in the coming days.
The city must now determine if these fires stem from isolated mechanical failures, vehicle age, or systemic maintenance issues. For now, the fleet remains grounded until each unit passes a rigorous inspection.