A new paper titled “Electrifying Bus Rapid Transit Systems in Developing Regions” has just been published by eBRT2030. The publication examines how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, originally designed to offer affordable, high-capacity public transport, can be effectively electrified in lower-middle-income countries, where adoption has lagged behind wealthier regions. Currently, only 12% of cities with operational BRT systems (just 23 out of 191 worldwide) are located in lower-middle-income countries. Despite the benefits BRT offers in terms of cost, scalability, and urban accessibility, its rollout in developing contexts remains limited by infrastructure, funding, and policy constraints.

The paper explores the present state of BRT in these regions, analysing the operational and institutional barriers to wider deployment. It then delves into the electrification of BRT fleets, discussing the technologies involved, the challenges of integrating electric buses into existing systems, and the need for supportive infrastructure such as depot and on-route charging. Electrification is presented not just as a technological upgrade, but as a crucial step in aligning mass transit systems with national and international climate goals.

Two cities, Bogotá and Jakarta, are featured as case studies demonstrating what successful implementation can look like in the Global South. These examples illustrate how public policy, multilateral support, and innovative financing mechanisms can overcome common barriers and accelerate the transition to electric BRT.

By synthesising lessons from existing deployments and identifying pathways for scale-up, the paper offers a valuable contribution to the broader effort of demonstrating and replicating zero-emission BRT systems worldwide. It is particularly relevant for policymakers, transport authorities, urban planners, and development institutions seeking to decarbonise public transport in emerging economies.

The full paper can be accessed here.