The **Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)** approved a financing of US$248.3 million to support the [electrification of the public bus fleet](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/los-colectivos-electricos-ya-circulan-por-la-ciudad-de-buenos-aires/) in **São Paulo**. The measure aims to incorporate more electric buses and thus [reduce the environmental impact](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/los-colectivos-electricos-ya-circulan-por-la-ciudad-de-buenos-aires/) of urban transportation in the largest city in Latin America.
Currently, São Paulo **has already incorporated 527 electric buses**, but the goal is to reach 2,200 units powered by clean energy. The approved loan will be executed under the Results-Based Loan modality.
More than 7 million daily passengers will be the direct beneficiaries of the program. Additionally, the transformation will **positively impact the 21.5 million inhabitants** of the Metropolitan Region.
The project also includes improvements in the management of the transportation system, carried out by the company SPTrans. **Concrete benefits are foreseen for women and low-income sectors**, who are the main users of public transportation.
## A commitment to sustainable mobility
“Clean and efficient public transportation is key to combating inequalities,” highlighted Annette Killmer, IDB representative in Brazil. The initiative is part of the organization’s plan to **promote policies with social and environmental impact**.
With over 12,000 buses, 1,300 lines, and 400 million liters of diesel consumed annually, **São Paulo faces a huge environmental challenge**. This investment aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
The credit has **a 15-year repayment term, with 6 years of grace and an interest rate based on SOFR**. The operation will formally begin after the corresponding legal procedures in Brazil.
With this step, São Paulo reinforces its **commitment to a cleaner, accessible, and inclusive future**, setting a model for other cities in the region.
## The rise of electric transportation globally
More and more countries are betting on [electric transportation](https://noticiasambientales.com/compromiso-ambiental/chile-autobuses-electricos-en-santiago-disminuyen-la-contaminacion/) as a direct response to the **climate crisis**, urban **pollution**, and the need to diversify their energy sources. Faced with the growing environmental and economic costs of using fossil fuels, the shift to electric vehicles is seen as **a sustainable and strategic solution**.
International pressure to **reduce greenhouse gas emissions** also drove this transition. Within the framework of climate agreements, numerous governments have committed to decarbonizing their **transportation sectors, one of the most polluting globally**.
In addition to the environmental factor, technological advancement has **reduced production costs** of batteries and **improved the performance** of electric vehicles. This makes them more accessible year after year, both for consumers and for governments looking to renew their fleets.
The electrification of transportation not only **improves air quality** in cities but also **contributes to energy independence** by reducing dependence on imported oil. For these reasons, this trend is expected to continue growing and shape the future of urban mobility.
