This week, the first 100% electric bus line started operating in the City of Buenos Aires.
In its route, these first units connect Parque Lezama with Plaza San MartÃn through the neighborhoods of Retiro, San Nicolás, Monserrat, San Telmo, and La Boca.
According to official information, the service will be free during the first two months.
Electric buses in Buenos Aires City: how they work and their route
There are 12 medium units currently circulating in the City. They are 7 meters long and can carry up to 30 passengers each (13 seated).
The bus has a range of 170 kilometers on a full charge and a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour.
The circuit has 36 stops, approximately one every three blocks, the new buses will cover 7.3 kilometers on the way and 5 kilometers on the return. It is estimated that they will transport over 500,000 passengers annually.
The buses are low-floor, adapted for people with reduced mobility.
“Reducing emissions”
“The main goal is to reduce polluting emissions,” stated the Buenos Aires City Government in a press release.
“Transportation accounts for 30 percent of Greenhouse Gas emissions and is one of the main sources of noise in cities. In this context, electromobility is the best alternative,” they argued.
The route also has a purpose. In 2022, due to renovation works in the Historic District (level crossings, road leveling, sidewalk widening, facade improvements, among others), the lines that ran along Perú, Chacabuco, BolÃvar, Defensa, between Retiro and San Telmo/La Boca, were relocated to the 9 de Julio Metrobus and the Bajo Metrobus.
For this reason, that area was left without internal transportation. The new buses aim to improve connectivity with a service that will also be accessible.
“This is a great step for the City. Moving around should be a more comfortable, safe, and fast experience, with a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport service in an orderly traffic and with first-class infrastructure,” stated the Head of Government, Jorge Macri.
Details of the innovation
According to the information, the electric buses have the same speed as regular buses.
But in the Historic District, they will travel at 20 kilometers per hour, the maximum allowed speed in that protected area.
The new electric buses.
In common streets of San Telmo and surrounding areas, they can travel up to 30 or 40 kilometers per hour, according to current regulations, and on avenues like MartÃn GarcÃa, where the route starts, the limit is 50 kilometers per hour.
The units are equipped with security cameras, passenger counting sensors, and a QR code system to know when the next bus will arrive. The charging, storage, and maintenance terminal is located at the intersection of Ingeniero Huergo and Brasil avenues, under the highway.
The service will be provided by female drivers. The concession was awarded to the company Transportes Atlántida, which will operate it for two years.
