Chetumal Becomes First Mexican City to Operate Electric Buses in Public Transit System

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Chetumal has become the first city in Mexico to operate electric buses as part of a public transportation system, Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa announced Monday.

Lezama, accompanied by Lizzeth Pacheco Barrera of the Economy Secretariat and Rafael Hernandez Kotasek of IMOVEQROO, presented the first five fully electric Taruk buses, which will undergo a four-week testing period. The first two weeks will involve passenger-free technical evaluations, followed by two weeks of service with passengers.

The buses will operate on the inaugural MOBI system route, Sian Ka’an-Las Americas, which will directly benefit 47 neighborhoods, more than 45,700 residents, 17,351 homes, 2,055 businesses, and 47 educational institutions.

“This project means much more than new units; it means social justice and equal opportunities,” Lezama said.

The Taruk buses are entirely Mexican-made, involving 83 national companies, including 81 Mexican suppliers, as well as Megaflux and Dina. Their production created 282 jobs across four states.

Each bus features universal accessibility, video surveillance systems, emergency buttons, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and smart technology for enhanced safety and comfort.

Lezama emphasized the environmental benefits, noting the vehicles run on clean energy, reducing emissions and supporting sustainable development.