Bursa’s move towards electric buses marks a significant stride in sustainable urban transport, showcasing local production and green mobility.
In a significant stride towards sustainable urban transport, Bursa’s Metropolitan Municipality has initiated an electric bus transformation, aligning with Turkiye’s youngest bus fleet. This move, marked by the acquisition of two domestically produced electric buses, showcases a deliberate effort to address the city’s transportation challenges while promoting green mobility solutions.
Embarking on a Green Transition
The ceremony at the Karsan Factory was attended by notable figures including Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Alinur Aktaş, Bursa Deputy Mustafa Varank, and Karsan CEO Okan Baş, among others. Mayor Aktaş highlighted the commencement of Bursa’s electric bus journey, underlining the city’s commitment to stepwise advancement in electric and hybrid vehicle adoption across both public and private sectors. He expressed his optimism about the beneficial impact of this initiative on Karsan, a local manufacturer, emphasizing the city’s long-standing automotive culture and infrastructure. The goal is to add 500 electric buses to Bursa’s fleet, reinforcing the city’s transportation system’s growth and sustainability.
Advantages of Electric Buses
The newly acquired Karsan e-ata model buses are 18 meters long, can accommodate 27 seated and 43 standing passengers, and boast 100 percent domestic production. With a single 8-hour charge, these vehicles can cover a distance of 350 km,offering a carbon emission-free alternative that also features 24 USB charging sockets for passenger convenience. Mayor Aktaş announced the acquisition cost of these pioneering buses at 1.5 million, highlighting the environmental and operational benefits they bring to Bursa’s public transportation network.
Supporting the Community
Alongside the electric bus initiative, Mayor Aktaş revealed plans to support retirees with card loadings during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, and a 25% discount on all transportation vehicles, social facilities, and water bills. Bursa Deputy Mustafa Varank praised the initiative for its role in ensuring comfortable, eco-friendly travel for residents and contributing to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions. The event concluded with a test drive, symbolizing the official kick-off of this transformative journey towards a greener, more sustainable Bursa.
This significant shift towards electric buses in Bursa not only represents a leap forward in sustainable urban mobility but also sets a precedent for other cities in Turkiye and beyond. By embracing locally produced, eco-friendly transportation solutions, Bursa is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future, underscoring the importance of local initiatives in global environmental conservation efforts. As this journey unfolds, the city stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in public transport, inspiring similar transformations worldwide.
Source: bnnbreaking