First Electric Buses in TransCaribe History Set Sail for Colombia

The transformation of TransCaribe is already a tangible reality. After the entry into operation of the first 17 new buses acquired by the Mayor’s Office of Cartagena, the second and final batch of the initial 55-vehicle purchase has already begun its maritime journey from China to La Heroica.

These are 38 new state-of-the-art buses that include standard-type vehicles, five articulated buses, and the first electric buses in the history of TransCaribe.

The loading of the vehicles in Chinese territory and their subsequent departure confirm a new reality for the mass transit system of Cartagena’s residents: what were once just announcements and promises has today become a completely new fleet that has already begun to roll and will continue to arrive in the city.

The administration of Mayor Dumek Turbay Paz has fulfilled its commitment to renew the system. “As we promised, today a new era begins for TransCaribe with the gradual arrival of the more than 50 new buses we purchased to strengthen the system and improve the quality of the service currently provided,” he said upon receiving the first batch of vehicles last June.

You may also be interested in | Carozzi, ESE Maquinarias, EVMOB, DHL, Mintral and Soprole: multiple sectors, one shared goal for transport decarbonization

The First Electric Buses: A Step Toward the Energy Transition

One of the components that will mark a turning point for the system is the incorporation of the first electric buses in the history of TransCaribe. These vehicles represent a significant advance toward cleaner, more sustainable, and modern mobility, with zero direct emissions during operation and a lower noise impact compared to conventional buses.

The arrival of this technology represents for Cartagena a firm step toward the energy transition in public transportation and the progressive incorporation of more modern alternatives to meet the mobility needs of the population.

For these vehicles, the District already has charging stations built in the yard-workshop, which guarantees their operability from the moment they arrive in the city.

One of the great standouts of this new stage will be the five articulated buses—the largest and highest-capacity vehicles in the entire fleet. Their incorporation will allow the transport of a significantly greater number of passengers per trip, especially on high-demand corridors and routes.

Their greater capacity will translate directly into less congestion inside vehicles and stations, greater boarding fluidity, and a better system response during peak hours. In other words: more space, more capacity, and real relief from the overcrowding and long waits that have plagued the system.

The standard-type buses, for their part, will reinforce the system’s operational capacity and will allow increasing the supply of vehicles on strategic and feeder routes, contributing to improving frequencies and reducing waiting times for thousands of users.

Cutting-Edge Technology for a Superior Travel Experience

The new TransCaribe fleet is not only larger and more sustainable, but also more technologically advanced and comfortable. The vehicles feature high-tech elements such as high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art industrial guide console system, and permanent voice and data communication with the control center.

In the case of the midibuses, each unit has four cameras inside, in addition to cameras at the front and rear, connected in real time to the control center. They also incorporate information panels that will show routes, schedules, upcoming stops, and information about operations; a sound system; USB type A and type C ports next to each seat; monitoring cameras and active driving assistance (located in front of the bus operator); passenger counting cameras at the doors; lower and more accessible handrails; boarding and alighting platforms; and spaces for people with reduced mobility.

In addition, they comply with Euro VI environmental standards and are protected against corrosion through the e-coating process (electrodeposition or cataphoresis), one of the most advanced processes for this type of circumstance in the global automotive industry.

The new fleet also features circuit protection technologies that isolate the electrical part and the combustion system, minimizing failures and ensuring safety.

A Concrete Response

The fleet renewal is not just a bet on new buses. It is a concrete response to the complaints that TransCaribe users have voiced for years.

Delays in vehicle arrivals, long lines, overcrowding, heat, problems with air conditioning systems, leaks, mechanical failures, and a travel experience that often generated stress and frustration are part of a reality that the District Government set out to transform.

With the first 17 buses already rolling through Cartagena and the remaining 38 on their way, the city is getting closer and closer to completing the incorporation of the 55 new vehicles initially acquired by the District Administration.

The bet is that this fleet reinforcement will contribute to improving frequencies and reducing waiting times that have been a reason for dissatisfaction among system users.

It is worth noting that the renewal of the TransCaribe fleet has been made possible thanks to cooperation with the People’s Republic of China. The buses were acquired by the Cartagena Mayor’s Office from the company Huanghai Auto, based in Dandong.

With the complete fleet of 55 vehicles in operation, TransCaribe is preparing to offer Cartagena residents a more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable public transportation service—leaving behind unfulfilled promises and giving way to a new era of mobility.

Next Stop: Latam Mobility México 2026

The Latam Mobility 2026 Tour keeps rolling, and the next stop is Mexico City on October 12–13, 2026.

This event is shaping up to be the year’s grand finale for the sector, bringing together public and private leaders from across Latin America to keep driving the shift toward cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable mobility.

The Latam Mobility Mexico 2026 edition will offer a unique platform to deepen partnerships, explore the latest innovations, and map out joint roadmaps that accelerate transportation decarbonization across the region.

There, governments, companies, academia, and civil society will continue weaving the collaborative network that will make sustainable mobility a continental reality. Optimism isn’t naivety—it’s the certainty that by working together, change is absolutely achievable.