Three Electric Buses Arrive in Belize as Part of E-Mobility Pilot Project

Belize has received three new electric buses as part of the “Towards Low Carbon Transport” E-Mobility Pilot Project. This initiative, funded by the European Union (EU) and executed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Belize City Council (BCC), Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), and the Department of Transport (DoT), marks a significant step in transforming Belize’s public transport system.

The electric buses, aimed at improving inter-district travel, are equipped with air conditioning, seat belts, onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and a camera monitoring system, providing comfort and safety for 35 passengers. While currently lacking wheelchair accessibility, plans are underway to add attachable lifts to accommodate all passengers.

These buses align with Belize’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS), promising zero emissions, reduced noise pollution, and lower maintenance costs.

The buses will be operated by the private sector under a two-year contract, with a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued to select an operator. The goal is to have the e-buses fully operational by December 2024. Private operators interested in managing the buses for the western and northern corridors are invited to submit their proposals by September 11, 2024, at 5 p.m.