
SANTIAGO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chile's Transport Minister Paola Tapia on Tuesday greeted the incorporation of the first batch of Chinese-made electric buses into the capital's public transit fleet.
"We are advancing in quality for commuters by incorporating electric buses starting now, fulfilling our commitment to greater comfort and greater efficiency in the service and to caring for the environment," said Tapia.
Manufactured by China's BYD corporation, the two 81-passenger buses are equipped with cushioned seats, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, charging outlets for mobile devices and a secure separate cabin for drivers.
Transit authorities said they expect the new units to cut operating costs by some 70 percent, with electric buses consuming around 70 pesos (around 0.11 U.S. dollars) per km to run, compared to 300 pesos (around 0.47 U.S. dollars) for conventional diesel vehicles.
"In 2018, we will have 90 of these buses in circulation and we will be pioneers in Latin America in electric mobility for public transit," said the minister.
The new buses can be charged in just two to three hours, allowing the buses to take various routes throughout the day covering some 250 km, Tapia said.
Chilean Energy Minister Andres Rebolledo also welcomed the new members of the capital's transportation system.
"These first two electric buses are great news for a country like Chile, since the transport sector accounts for a third of the energy consumption," he noted.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses