2030 Deadline: Transport Company Commits to 100% Renewable Bus Fleet

A $42.9 million initiative to replace diesel buses with electric vehicles and develop a robust regulatory framework has been launched in Mauritius as part of a six-year, low-carbon transport push.

The project, which seeks to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution, held a steering committee meeting this week in Port Louis, chaired by Minister of Transport, Osman Mahomed.

Key Goal: Cutting Emissions and Boosting Health

The joint initiative by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to establish a solid political and regulatory framework for electric transport and create sustainable public transport infrastructure.

Electric buses are expected to improve public health by eliminating harmful nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, which are responsible for respiratory problems.

The $5.6 million GEF-funded project, with an additional $37.3 million in co-financing, is designed to lessen reliance on fossil fuels, reduce emissions, and improve air quality.

It also seeks to ensure accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Project Components and Timeline

The six-year project, titled “Promotion of low-carbon electric public buses in Mauritius,” officially began in November 2023 with the appointment of a project manager and assistant.

The project is structured around five key components:

• Developing a regulatory framework.
• Implementing financial incentives for purchasing electric buses.
• Strengthening institutional capacity.
• Public awareness campaigns.
• Knowledge management.

In January 2025, Minister Mahomed proposed adding further elements, including an integrated land transport master plan, reinforced road safety measures, a regulatory framework review, and the introduction of new road transport technologies.

The committee meeting this week examined the UNDP’s ongoing support and the strategic direction of the transition to electric public buses.

International Support and Local Commitment

The steering committee meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative, and Abendra Patten, Project Manager at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

The transition to electric transport is viewed as a credible alternative to diesel buses and is crucial for the sustainable development of the transport sector, particularly for developing countries.

The adoption of electric fleets offers significant reductions in both exhaust pollution and noise, alongside potential long-term savings on maintenance and fuel.

The challenges of integration, such as vehicle choice, charging infrastructure deployment, grid preparation, and route optimisation, were noted.

Crucial investments include installing charging stations at strategic locations and coordinating with energy providers, potentially supplemented by solar power for resilience.

• Training for mechanics and drivers is essential for the transition.
• Community involvement and clear communication on health benefits and route changes are also vital for success.

Notably, the Indian Government has donated 100 electric buses to the National Transport Corporation, with the first batch of ten vehicles officially inaugurated in August 2025.

Furthermore, Rose-Hill Transport plans to electrify its entire fleet by 2030, leveraging a solar power plant and an advanced battery energy storage system to run entirely on renewable energy.

Source: l’Express