Barbados now boasts the largest electric bus fleet in the Western Hemisphere, thanks to the formal handover of 30 new electric buses from the People’s Republic of China. This latest donation brings the island’s total to 89 electric buses and marks the third delivery in an ongoing partnership between the two nations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw, announced that the newly acquired buses are expected to be operational by May 1. Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Barbados Port Authority, Bradshaw emphasized the significance of the contribution—not only in terms of transitioning to clean energy but also in enhancing public transport services, especially for rural communities.
View Barbados Luxury Properties for Sale
“On behalf of the people and Government of Barbados, I extend sincere thanks to the People’s Republic of China,” Bradshaw said. “This gift not only supports our move to a fully electric fleet but also helps us better serve the island’s public transport needs.”
The donation also includes 30 Direct Current (DC) chargers and spare parts for maintenance support. Additionally, three technicians from Chinese manufacturer BYD Auto, along with a fourth specialist for charger installation, are on island to assist with the rollout. BYD is also preparing to open a local office to support technical training and fleet management.
Preparations for deployment—such as vehicle weighing, inspection, registration, and outfitting with fare boxes, destination signs, surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi systems, and cashless payment tools—have already begun at the Mangrove depot in St. Philip.
View Barbados Luxury Properties for Sale
Bradshaw acknowledged that the team is working toward a May 1 launch despite a few upcoming holidays. “They’ve committed to doing what’s necessary to meet that target,” she said.
She also addressed public concerns regarding buses seen idle at the depot, clarifying that Mangrove serves as a key facility for charging, maintenance, and turnaround. “It doesn’t mean all the buses are broken,” she reassured.
The benefits of the electric fleet are already being felt, with reductions in fuel and maintenance costs. The government anticipates even greater savings by the end of the financial year with this latest addition. Plans are also underway for the arrival of 35 more electric buses before the close of the current fiscal year.
“This next wave of buses will help us expand service in areas that need it most,” Bradshaw noted, highlighting underserved communities like St Lucy, St Andrew, Boscobel, Josie Hill, and Pie Corner.
View Barbados Luxury Properties for Sale
She acknowledged the strain on the system in recent months, which led to prioritizing school routes over regular daytime service. “It breaks my heart to see elderly residents waiting for hours at terminals,” she said. “All hands are on deck now to make public transportation more reliable and accessible for everyone.”
Bradshaw expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued collaboration and voiced optimism about future partnerships in infrastructure, green energy, and public service improvements.
View all of our Properties for Sale in Barbados
