E-Buses Change Transport Culture in Colombia for Cleaner Air

Colombia’s third largest city, Cali, has introduced 26 electric buses with another 110 planned over the next two months, in an effort to curb air pollution caused by diesel engines.

“Electric energy is a source of energy we have to take advantage of. We aim to have a public transport system that has the least impact on the environment as possible,” says Veronica Uribe, head of operations for the city’s bus system Metro Cali.

Another city, Medellin, will launch its fleet of 64 e-buses in November, with electric taxis already introduced. This launch will reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 3,000 tonnes each year.

The bus project, says Medellin’s Mayor Federico Gutierrez, marks the first time a Latin American city has introduced an electric bus fleet fully funded with public money.

“More than a change of technology, this is a change of culture,” says Gutierrez. “We have to look after our planet. We all have a greater awareness that we need to take care of the environment.”