Discover how bus companies in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia are leading the shift towards lower-carbon and more sustainable operations.

The passenger transport sector in Latin America has shifted toward sustainability in recent years, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in major cities across the region.

Incorporating a more sustainable vision within ground mobility has enabled significant steps towards transforming this industry in Latin America. This shift is propelled by technological advancements and a paradigm shift towards environmentally responsible operations. Some companies have adopted a comprehensive approach beyond fleet electrification in the passenger bus sector.

Passenger transport companies in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia are leading this transformation, adopting technologies and practices that are more environmentally friendly.

Below, we explore the sustainability trends in these three nations, highlighting specific cases and relevant data.

Mexico: Carbon Offsetting and Operational Efficiency

The Mexican company Grupo Flecha Amarilla has set out to lead change in the mobility industry, with a clear vision of sustainability, innovation, and a focus on comprehensive experiences and services.

Sustainability, one of its strategic pillars, is not just an isolated strategy but a fundamental part of its mission to transform the transport sector toward a model that conserves resources for future generations.

For Flecha Amarilla, sustainability goes beyond an appealing business practice; it is a responsibility to which they are genuinely committed. They focus on meaningful actions that impact both the environment and society.

In Mexico, Grupo Flecha Amarilla is a pioneer in this area, implementing a carbon offsetting program in collaboration with Reservamos SaaS.

The Reservamos SaaS development team integrated this initiative into Primera Plus’ eCommerce, Flecha Amarilla’s bus line. This offers travelers an option to mitigate the impact of each journey and contribute to planet-friendly efforts. Carbon offsets are available on both the bus line’s eCommerce and mobile app.

This project allows the carbon emissions generated by their operations to be offset through environmental initiatives, such as reforestation and ecosystem conservation.

The first effort we made, thanks to our relationship with Reservamos SaaS, was to quickly deploy a button in the eCommerce so that travelers could offset their trip by purchasing a bond. At the end of their purchase, they have the option to offset their journey based on the kilometers they will travel. It’s a very small amount, ranging from one to seven pesos, which goes directly to buy bonds on the market and offset the trip. We don’t keep a single peso.– Juan Pablo Martín, Innovation Director at Grupo Flecha Amarilla.

According to Juan Pablo, Reservamos SaaS tools help them make agile decisions regarding operational efficiency. He believes Reservamos SaaS has the market knowledge to guide their development.

Flecha Amarilla has also implemented operational efficiency strategies through advanced telemetry and predictive maintenance technologies, reducing fuel consumption and extending the lifespan of their vehicles.

They operate under Euro 5 and Euro 6 European standards, requiring buses to use ultra-low-sulfur diesel. They aim for all products throughout their supply chain to have a low environmental impact.

For instance, the products used in their restrooms contain biodegradable enzymes that help treat organic matter, and the antifreeze they use has the lowest carbon footprint.

Carbon offsetting is just one part of Flecha Amarilla’s comprehensive sustainability approach. In 2023, the company reported a 15% reduction in its carbon footprint, thanks to a rigorous preventive maintenance program that prevents unit inefficiencies and ensures optimal fuel performance. This not only reduces environmental impact but also improves passenger experience and strengthens brand trust.

Brazil: electrification and renewable energy in bus fleets

Brazil is one of the region’s most advanced countries in adopting electric bus fleets, led by cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. However, companies are going beyond electrification by incorporating renewable energy solutions into their operations.

Companies such as Grupo Comporte, one of Brazil’s leading passenger transport companies, have adopted advanced technologies to reduce fuel consumption and optimize route efficiency.

They have also integrated fleet management systems with artificial intelligence and big data to enhance operational sustainability, as showcased at the Lat.Bus 2024 event, where electrification and energy management practices from Comporte and other Brazilian companies were highlighted.

Grupo JCA, with a fleet including over 250 electric buses, has promoted sustainability by implementing a comprehensive fleet renewal program and training for efficient driving. Their electric vehicles, largely powered by renewable energy, help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in key cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Chile: zero-emission buses and efficient waste management

Chile was one of the first Latin American countries to adopt zero-emission buses on a large scale in its public transport system, particularly in Santiago, where hundreds of electric buses have been integrated in collaboration with private operators and the government.

However, sustainability in Chile is not limited to electric buses. Companies like Turbus have adopted sustainability practices on multiple fronts, including efficient waste management and the reduction of indirect emissions.

Additionally, Turbus has implemented a collection and recycling system at its main stations and has started educating passengers about recycling practices, promoting environmental awareness across its user network.

Colombia: digitalization to reduce environmental Impact

In Colombia, bus companies have begun implementing digitalization as a key strategy to reduce their environmental impact.

Companies such as Expreso Brasilia have stood out for their commitment to sustainability, presenting their seventh sustainability report in 2021, which outlines their efforts to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Their sustainability model includes initiatives ranging from operational efficiency to carbon offsetting, aligned with the principles of the Global Compact.

Expreso Bolivariano has also adopted digital solutions to optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption. By analyzing demand patterns using advanced algorithms and data intelligence tools, Expreso Bolivariano has not only reduced costs but also minimized the kilometers traveled and, consequently, carbon emissions.

Towards a Sustainable Mobility Future in Latin America

Sustainability initiatives in the passenger bus sector in Latin America are rapidly evolving and encompass a wide range of strategies that go beyond fleet electrification. The cases of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia demonstrate that companies can be both profitable and sustainable through advanced technologies, process digitalization, and a comprehensive vision of their environmental responsibility.

Reservamos SaaS has positioned itself as a facilitator of these solutions, offering tools that allow transportation companies such as Grupo Flecha Amarilla to implement sustainability strategies in an agile and effective manner. These actions, backed by technology and commitment, not only help to meet the market’s environmental expectations, but also boost operational efficiency and improve the customer experience.