Electric bus training in Quito promotes gender inclusion
- Thamires Pecis
- May 21
- 2 min read
Quito is accelerating its path to inclusive, sustainable mobility, and women are at the forefront. Through a two-day Electric Bus Familiarization Course, women fellows from the “Women Drivers” project received hands-on training in electric vehicle (EV) technology.
The course was organized following an invitation from UNOPS and Empresa Metropolitana de Pasajeros de Quito, in collaboration with UEMI, as part of the E-Warmi project.
Inside the training: theory and practice
More than just theory and essential concepts, these women explored practical applications of 100% electric bus technology.
Day 1: Foundations of Electric Mobility
On the first day, the course took place in the training rooms of Quito’s public transport company, where participants engaged in a 5.5-hour session led by a specialist from Yutong, the manufacturer of the city's electric bus fleet. The session included:
Battery charging,
System functionalities,
Safety procedures,
Essential maintenance.
Day 2: Hands-On Learning at El Recreo Station
To bring the training to life, the second day took place at El Recreo Station. The participants got up close with the electric buses, opening compartments, finding the batteries and motors, testing the doors, and stepping inside to get a real feel for the layout. They didn’t get behind the wheel, but the hands-on interaction gave them a powerful sense of how the technology works in practice.
From Skills to Impact: Training Women for Sustainable Mobility
The electric bus training was about more than just electricc buses; it was about empowerment. In a sector historically dominated by men, these women are not only gaining skills, they are also breaking barriers and gaining renewed sense of motivation about their roles in driving inclusive, sustainable change.
As Quito moves forward in adopting cleaner and more inclusive transportation systems, the E-Warmi project serves as a model of how innovation and equity can move together toward a better future.
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