The Mobility Redefined podcast continues to bring exclusive insights from global leaders shaping the future of transport. In the latest episode, Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz sits down with Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chile’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, to discuss the country’s ambitious shift towards sustainable mobility.
Chile is leading the way in public transport electrification, boasting the largest electric bus fleet outside China and setting a global example in carbon reduction policies. This episode dives into the bold steps Chile is taking to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, improve urban mobility, and ensure a cleaner, safer future for public transport users.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Chile’s Electrification Success: The Largest Electric Bus Fleet Outside China
Chile is home to an impressive 2,500 electric buses, making Santiago the city with the highest number of electric buses in the non-Chinese world. With an additional 2,000 electric buses set to be introduced in the next 18 months, Chile is proving that electrification is not just a goal but a reality in action.
🔹 Fleet size: 6,500 buses
🔹 Electric buses in operation: 2,500
🔹 Next target: 4,500 electric buses by 2026
These buses aren’t just reducing emissions; they are also enhancing passenger experience with air conditioning, USB charging, Wi-Fi, and improved accessibility features.
Chile’s Carbon Neutrality Commitment by 2050
Chile’s transport sector remains the largest source of carbon emissions in the country. Minister Muñoz outlines the key goals to reverse this trend:
✅ By 2035: All new vehicles entering Chile must be zero-emission
✅ By 2040: 100% of buses must be electric
Chile has already transformed its energy mix, with renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower now dominating electricity generation. The next challenge? Ensuring the transport sector follows suit.
The Bigger Picture: Smart Cities and Sustainable Transport
Electrification is just one piece of the puzzle. Minister Muñoz explains why shorter trips, better city planning, and multimodal transport integration are equally critical.
🔹 Investing in metro expansion – Santiago’s metro system already spans 150 km and is set to grow by another 75 km in the next decade
🔹 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) innovation – Chile is modernising its BRT networks to improve efficiency
🔹 Integrated ticketing & fare incentives – With single fares covering multiple modes and a monthly fare cap after 45 trips, public transport is more accessible and affordable
Tackling Fare Evasion: A Multi-Faceted Approach
Fare evasion is one of the biggest challenges in Santiago’s public transport system, peaking at 45% in some areas (now reduced to 38%). The government is tackling this with:
🔹 “Paid zones” at high-traffic bus stops
🔹 Turnstiles in buses to prevent unpaid boarding
🔹 Multiple payment options, including QR codes and digital cards
🔹 Increased enforcement with inspectors and police
The goal is clear: Restoring a culture of fair payment while ensuring a seamless travel experience.