The Regional Council of Los Lagos has overwhelmingly approved the co-financing of an electric bus project for Puerto Varas, key to improving connectivity in this city in the province of Llanquihue.
This initiative will benefit its more than 51,000 residents by providing high-quality, environmentally friendly public transportation.
“We are making progress in bringing electromobility to the regions, so that all inhabitants of our territory can have quality travel through a pollution-free mode of transport that meets a high standard,” said Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chile’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications.
Related Content: What You Need to Know About Chile’s National Sustainable Mobility Strategy
“We already have Antofagasta and Rancagua with RED electric buses in operation, and to these cities, we must add the concrete advances that will bring this technology to Villarrica, Copiapó, and Ovalle. Now, Puerto Varas joins the list with a fleet of 16 vehicles that will connect remote areas such as Alto Esperanza and Mirador de Puerto Varas,” he continued.
Chile Advances in Sustainable Mobility: Puerto Varas
There will be two services with a total fleet of 16 buses that will traverse the urban area of the commune, covering the main sectors that require public transportation, such as commercial zones, health services, and other points of interest in the city.
The routes will connect the Alto Esperanza sector with Mirador, passing through the center and residential areas, with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays.
Additionally, the charging center will be built on land owned by the Municipality of Puerto Varas, allowing for its use in future contracts. The agreement that the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT) signs with the operator will last for eight years, with an estimated annual subsidy of $1.945 billion.
Finally, it is projected that these buses will transport more than 2 million passengers annually, of which 63% will be adults, 23% students, and 12% senior citizens.
Latam Mobility in Chile
In August, Latam Mobility, the largest sustainable mobility community in Latin America, will once again arrive in Santiago de Chile for its 2024 meeting.
It will be two days that will bring together the most prominent industry leaders, along with public sector personalities, to offer their perspectives on advances in low-emission mobility, electromobility and sustainability.
More information about the meeting and participation here.
