Bogotá launches the first eBRT2030 demonstration
- Thamires Pecis
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Bogotá has taken an important step in its transition toward cleaner, safer and more efficient public transport.
In collaboration with the eBRT2030 project, funded by the European Union, the city launched the first demonstration of a new generation of electric BRT systems that combine sustainability, automation, and connectivity. This workplaces Bogotá at the centre of a Latin American cluster created to exchange knowledge and build capacity among cities.
A demonstration shaped by innovation
The first phase in Bogotá introduces two Scania battery-electric feeder buses, now integrated into TransMilenio’s operations. Alongside the vehicles, the demonstration brings together a set of tools designed to improve service quality and operational performance. These include:
Advanced safety features supported by ADAS
Onboard services that help drivers understand their surroundings
ITS solutions that improve driving quality and efficiency
Real-time information for drivers and control centres
Added-value tools for fleet and operator management
Traffic signal priority to support punctuality
Smart charging strategies for large electric fleets
Together, these elements form a comprehensive approach that connects vehicles, operations and digital systems across the corridor.
Technology supporting safer and more efficient travel
The two 12-metre Scania electric buses operating in Bogotá offer more than 300 km of driving range (up to 350 km), 2.5-hour fast charging, capacity for 80 passengers and full radar and sensor coverage around the vehicle. Features such as automatic stop in imminent collisions, lane-deviation alerts and independent pneumatic suspension help support safer, more comfortable travel for the city’s users.
Combined with the digital tools deployed under eBRT2030, these technologies illustrate how innovation can improve efficiency and elevate the passenger experience.
Local leadership guiding the transition
For TransMilenio, the demonstration reinforces a long-standing commitment to sustainability, zero emissions and innovation. As General Manager María Fernanda Ortiz explains, welcoming new partners into this work strengthens the city’s ability to advance a mobility system that places people at the centre.
Local leadership is essential for integrating the technologies and tools of eBRT2030 into daily operation and ensuring that the demonstration responds to the needs of Bogotá’s residentes.
As highlighted by Martha Gutiérrez, Senior Advisor for the UEMI eBRT2030 project:
“On behalf of UEMI and the European Union, we would like to thank our international cluster partners—TransMilenio, La Rolita, Etra, Scania, and Pelle Mobility—for making this great effort a reality.”
People making the transition possible
Behind every mobility transition, there are people working every day to make it possible. For La Rolita, participating in the demonstration is both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to Bogotá’s ongoing transformation.
In her interview, Carolina Martínez, General Manager of La Rolita, highlights the collaboration among Scania, Buscar, TransMilenio, ETRA and the SIMUS network. She emphasises the project’s focus on safety, user experience and operator wellbeing, as well as the meaningful role women are already playing in this process. There is a clear intention to involve even more women as the demonstration evolves.
Moving forward
As the buses enter service and digital tools are deployed, Bogotá is helping show how electric BRT can become safer, more efficient and more connected.
This demonstration offers a model that can be adapted and replicated by other cities working toward sustainable urban mobility. It is a reminder that the future of mobility is shaped not only by technology, but by collaboration, local leadership and the people who bring these systems to life.