BNDES finances R$ 264 million for the renewal of the bus fleet in Salvador.
The acquisition of more than 250 buses meets the Euro 6 standard, an international benchmark for reducing pollutant emissions.
247 - The Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has approved R$ 264 million in financing for Salvador, earmarked for the acquisition of more than 250 buses that meet the Euro 6 standard, an international benchmark for emission reduction. This initiative is part of the Sustainable and Resilient Cities – Sustainable Urban Mobility axis of the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program), boosting the modernization of public transportation in the capital of Bahia.
Salvador, the fifth most populous city in Brazil with 2,4 million inhabitants, currently operates a fleet of 1.840 buses. The vehicles are managed by two concessionaires and the BRT Consortium, which have contracts valid until 2039, transporting approximately 1,2 million passengers daily. The new buses will replace the older ones, especially those that are more than 10 years old.
The Euro 6 standard came into effect in Brazil in 2023 with phase P8 of the Program for the Control of Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles (Proconve). The technology imposes stricter limits on pollutant emissions from combustion engines. “According to data from Ibama, in almost four decades of existence, Proconve has reduced emissions by 98%,” highlighted Aloizio Mercadante, president of BNDES. “This financing reaffirms our commitment to mitigating the climate crisis and is aligned with the New PAC of President Lula's government, which prioritizes sustainable investments,” he added.
The new, less polluting buses will be purchased directly by the Salvador City Hall through a public bidding process. The initiative aims to improve urban mobility and reduce the environmental impact of public transportation in the city.
The Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa, emphasized the importance of the investment for the population's quality of life and the federal government's commitment to sustainability. "With the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program), we are strengthening public transportation in cities like Salvador and promoting a virtuous cycle of sustainability. Improving public transportation reduces carbon emissions and directly contributes to the well-being of the population," he stated.
According to Rui Costa, the fleet modernization is part of a larger plan for sustainable mobility. "We need transportation systems that meet the needs of the Brazilian people and, at the same time, promote a more sustainable future for the next generations."
The financing was authorized by municipal law and is guaranteed by the Federal Government. The BNDES loan will be made available through the BNDES Machinery and Services product.
