IDB will finance  $26 million purchase of 55 electric buses

To comply with the Climate Mobility Strategy promulgated in 2022, MiBus advances plans to incorporate 55 electric units, an operation estimated to reach $26 million, funds that would be obtained from a loan negotiated by the Ministry of Economy and Finance with the Inter-American Development Bank.

The projection of MiBus is that the tender is carried out in the first months of 2024. In addition to the electric units, MiBus would be bidding for recharging stations and other equipment that would allow Currently 71% of the 1,436 buses that make up the MiBus fleet have a mileage that exceeds 700,000 kilometers, after being in operation for more than 13 years. Luis Campana, general manager of MiBus said that this year the replacement of the oldest units that exceed 800,000 kilometers should begin.

Campana explained that the tests that were carried out with two electric units offered data on the routes within the capital city that can be served with electric units.

“The autonomy that these units can offer is important, taking into account the distances they must travel. In addition, it is necessary to see the profitability of operating with the buses, because the use of air conditioning, as well as the way of driving (acceleration and braking) of the drivers, impact the autonomy of the electric buses ”, he commented.

Studies carried out by the World Bank, the IDB, and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration have shown that 29% of the MiBus fleet, some 414 units, can be replaced by electric buses. “Acquiring electric buses is a high investment, but one that is recovered over time with lower maintenance costs, in addition to reducing polluting emissions,” said the official.

In addition to the financing that the IDB will provide to acquire 26 units, the MiBus administration has been requesting funds from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) since last year to acquire 200 electric buses, but the item was not included in the 2023 budget. Campana indicates that they have requested again this year from the MEF that the funds be incorporated into the 2024 budget.

The Panama Tourism Authority tendered and awarded 5 electric buses, with their respective chargers, which will be used to implement the first green route in the country and which will help improve mobility within Casco Viejo, one of the most visited tourist sites in the country.