Public transport operator Red Movilidad has deployed 300 new electric buses in Santiago, marking the start of a large-scale expansion of Chile’s zero-emission transit fleet. The rollout is part of a national plan to introduce 1,800 electric buses by the end of 2025, which would bring the capital’s share of electric buses to 68%, according to government estimates.
The newly arrived buses, manufactured by Zhongtong in China, will operate on routes US 16, 17, and 18, serving nearly 20 districts, including La Granja, San Miguel, and San Joaquín. These areas have historically lacked access to clean public transport infrastructure. Chile’s Transport and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz said the deployment supports the country’s commitment to “territorial equity.” “This is very good news for the system and our goal of levelling the playing field between different communes,” he said.
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Red Movilidad’s fleet currently includes 2,555 electric buses. With the new additions, three out of every five buses in the Greater Santiago area will be electric. Each bus features amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and 360-degree blind spot detection systems to improve safety and passenger comfort.
According to Paola Tapia Salas, Director of Metropolitan Public Transport, the shift to electrification is already delivering environmental benefits. “Currently, RED buses account for just 3.3% of transport-related emissions,” she said. Noise pollution has also declined by up to 45% along major routes such as Alameda and Santa Rosa since 2019.
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The first batch of buses arrived at the Port of San Antonio after a 28-day journey from Shanghai, with additional units expected to follow in phases throughout the year. The broader expansion follows a public tender completed in November 2024 and includes the introduction of two new operators, Gran América and Consorcio Conecta. The updated concession, which covers 30% of Santiago’s transport network, is expected to improve service for over 3.5 million people and create new employment opportunities.