Electric buses a modern fix for Guyana’s traffic woes, environmental goals – Edghill

…says other variables, infrastructure costs must also be considered

In recent weeks, suggestions have come from the private sector that Guyana should go the route of improving its public transportation sector, including with the introduction of electric buses. While acknowledging it as a progressive move with many benefits for Guyana, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has also warned that other factors must be weighed.

Sharing his thoughts with this publication in an invited comment, Edghill first acknowledged the pros of the suggestion. Using Georgetown as an example, he noted that the city’s current reliance on private vehicles and minibuses have added to traffic congestion and transportation woes for many residents.
“An upgraded system would not only alleviate these issues but also align with the Government’s infrastructure development plans, promoting sustainable growth and enhanced quality of life for citizens. Implementing electric big buses would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.”
“As global concerns about climate change intensify, transitioning to electric public transport demonstrates proactive leadership and a commitment to environmental stewardship. This shift would improve air quality in Georgetown, benefiting public health by reducing pollutants that contribute to respiratory illnesses,” Edghill also noted.
When it comes to job creation, Edghill noted the potential for new jobs in areas such as electric vehicle maintenance and charging infrastructure management. Edghill also pointed out that electric buses have fewer moving parts than tradition engines, contributing to lower maintenance and offsetting the cost of the initial investment.
In addition to aligning with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government’s infrastructure development plans, Edghill also expressed the view that investments in a more modern public transportation system would boost tourism and present Georgetown as a more progressive and visitor-friendly city.
This is in addition to the benefits to citizens themselves who rely on public transportation to get to work, school and to access healthcare. Perhaps one of the greatest selling points of a more modern, comfortable and reliable public transportation system is that it would alleviate traffic congestion, as more and more citizens utilised it to travel instead of private transportation.

Cons
As much as there are a lot of positives in the proposal, Edghill also acknowledged the counter-arguments including the current lack of charging infrastructure necessary to support electric buses. However, one possible solution could be Public/Private Partnerships.
“Addressing this concern requires strategic planning and investment. The Government can collaborate with private sector partners to develop a network of charging stations, possibly leveraging renewable energy sources like solar power to make the system even more sustainable. Phased implementation allows for gradual infrastructure development while training the workforce needed to maintain the new system,” he said.
Another concern acknowledged by Edghill is the upfront capital costs with purchasing these electric buses and building out the required infrastructure, though again the long-term gains are likely to outweigh these negatives.
“While this is a valid point, it’s important to consider the long-term economic benefits. Grants, international funding, and public-private partnerships can alleviate the financial burden on the Government. Moreover, the reduced operational costs and potential revenue from a well-run public transportation system can provide financial returns over time,” Edghill further added.
It was only recently that former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Timothy Tucker, during an interview with this publication, stressed the need for a better, more comfortable public transportation system.
In that interview, Tucker had suggested that the use of big buses or even electric buses should be explored. In addition to bringing convenience and ease of travel for locals as well as visitors, Tucker highlighted that a more efficient public transport system could significantly reduce the cost of living.
Tucker had pointed out that Guyana must recognise its growth as a country, and the importance of embracing modernity with a good, reliable public transportation system to ease traffic congestion. He had also suggested that the Government could partner with the private sector to overhaul the current transportation system in the country.
Perhaps the best-known example of a country geographically close to Guyana implementing electric buses is Barbados, whose Transport Board operates a fleet of over 50 electric buses around the island.
Last year, the Barbados Transport Board had announced that it had procured 10 new electric buses under the Ministry of Energy and Business’ Sustainable Energy Investment Programme, which according to the board brought its fleet to 59 electric buses.
In nearby Trinidad and Tobago, the twin island republic’s Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) operates a fleet of big buses of its own which, while not electric in nature, are nevertheless widely used by citizens and visitors alike. (G3)