Quito's New Articulated Buses Arrive in 2025

Starting in May 2025, Quito will introduce 60 new articulated buses to its public transport system. These state-of-the-art, fully electric vehicles were purchased from Chinese company Yutong for $35.3 million.

Why the Change?

The decision to replace 60 buses comes after 10 current units were deemed beyond repair, and many others suffer frequent breakdowns. The purchase was made possible with savings from a process advised by the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which allowed the city to buy 10 additional buses for $3 million.

Key Features

- Fully Electric: They can travel up to 75 km even during power outages.

- Capacity: 160 passengers, 32 seats, and wheelchair accessibility.

- Safety & Tech: Panic buttons, 20 security cameras, internal screens, and digital route displays.

- Speed: Capable of reaching 70 km/h.

Timeline

The first bus arrives in January 2025, with the rest following in February. A test phase will begin that same month, ensuring everything is operational before the full launch in May.

Integrated Transit System

These buses will be part of Quito’s plan to connect the Trolebús, Metro, and Ecovía with a unified fare of $0.60 starting in July 2025.

City officials hope the new buses will improve the public transport experience, a common complaint among Quito residents.

Source: Primicias.