Four cities, one vision: Read all about the eBRT2030 International Cluster!

Cities all over the world are reconsidering how bus rapid transit (BRT) systems can continue to transport millions of people every day in a capacity that is both effective and sustainable. Today, the transition to electric mobility represents new era of opportunity for BRT systems, one in which air quality improves, emissions are decreased, and public transportation becomes an even more vital component of urban life in key metropolitan regions across the world. As part of this shift, the eBRT2030 project helps cities investigate how electric bus rapid transit may be designed, funded, and run under practical circumstances.

Four cities provide especially interesting stories in this context. Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Curitiba, and Kigali reflect a wide range of geographical areas, varying degrees of system maturity, and diverse strategies for the advancement of sustainable public transportation. These cities are part of the eBRT2030 International Cluster and were selected through an open call that brought together 26 applicant cities from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The selection process was carried out by UEMI, UITP, and VUB, based on the quality and relevance of the proposals submitted.

While some are developing new networks with electrification already in mind, others are building on decades of BRT expertise. When taken as a whole, these cities demonstrate that urban BRT is globally achievable, resilient, clean and inclusive, benefitting the global community in a holistic sense.

Each of these urban trips is examined in more detail in the City Profiles that are linked below. They describe the local transportation environment, the function of BRT in the city, and the advantages and disadvantages of electrification.

By combining these experiences, the profiles aim to encourage urban learning and support planners considering electric BRT as a workable and scalable solution over the next decade. These four cities are now part of the eBRT2030 International Cluster, which seeks to co-develop innovative eBRT solutions with cities and operators in dynamic e-bus markets in Latin America and Africa, while fostering the role of European technology and knowledge partners in these regions.