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New Models, Cutting-Edge Technology and a Journey Through Transport History: Day One of TRANSEXPO 2026
From the opening hours, the exhibition halls were filled with representatives of manufacturers, transport companies, public transport operators, local authorities, and technology firms. The spotlight fell on modern buses, electric mobility, solutions designed to improve passenger comfort and systems supporting the day-to-day operation of public transport.
New Models and Technologies Transforming the Passenger Experience
One of the highlights of the opening day was the Polish premiere of the Solaris Urbino 10.5 electric. The new model reflects the direction in which urban transport is steadily moving: towards zero-emission mobility that is also flexible and suited to the needs of cities of different sizes.
There were new developments to discover at almost every turn. One was the PIXEL Aura system, showcased at TRANSEXPO. Among other features, it enables passengers to purchase tickets using biometric data, such as facial recognition or the vein patterns in their hands. It also supports voice and gesture control of ticket validators and uses sound detection to identify potentially dangerous situations on board. The system can operate offline without needing to transmit data to the cloud.
MAN Lion’s City 18 EfficientHybrid Handed Over at TRANSEXPO
The trade show is not only a place to showcase vehicles, but also a venue for events with tangible business outcomes. At the MAN Truck & Bus Polska stand, a MAN Lion’s City 18 EfficientHybrid bus was formally handed over to Relobus Transport Polska, which operates services on behalf of Warsaw’s Public Transport Authority.
This was one of those TRANSEXPO moments when a bus displayed in an exhibition hall ceases to be just a trade show exhibit and begins its working life in a real public transport network.
Almost 90 Years of History, Just Steps Away from the Latest Buses
The opening day also offered a journey into the past. The 6th Exhibition of Historic Buses, organised by the Polish Chamber of Urban Transport (IGKM), traces several decades of public transport development.
The oldest vehicle on display is a 1938 Chevrolet EFD 183 FS. Visitors can also see the SAN H100B, which spent years serving as a garden summerhouse after being withdrawn from service, Jelcz buses familiar from Polish city streets, the rare Ikarus 411 and the iconic Jelcz MEX 272, popularly known as the “cucumber”.
Bringing historic vehicles together with the latest buses showcased by exhibitors highlights just how dramatically urban public transport has changed over the decades.
The Industry Comes Together at EXPO KIELCE
The first day of TRANSEXPO also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing public transport, including electric mobility, battery and hydrogen technologies, investment financing and the future direction of urban transport.
The day concluded with the TRANSEXPO Gala, where medals and distinctions were presented to recognise solutions showcased at the trade show, alongside tributes to important industry anniversaries.
The opening day demonstrated that TRANSEXPO is much more than a bus exhibition. It is where manufacturers, operators, technology, business and the history of public transport come together – and, above all, where the people who shape the future of urban mobility meet.
TRANSEXPO 2026 is taking place at EXPO KIELCE until October 16.