SANTIAGO, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chile's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Gloria Hutt on Tuesday presented the first double-decker electric buses to run in the capital Santiago in a pilot program.
The environmentally friendly buses, which look like London's iconic red double-deckers, were manufactured by German company Kaufmann.
"The fact that companies want to test their vehicles in our (transportation) system is a reflection of Chile's stability and of how the bidding process we promote is viewed abroad as serious, which could attract important global operators," Hutt said.
The buses feature air conditioning, WiFi and USB connections, a folding ramp, cushioned seats, quiet cabin and a low floor for universal access. They are also designed to allow passengers to exit easily in case of an emergency.
Alexander Kohler, general manager of Kaufmann, expressed hope that the passengers will enjoy riding in "such innovative" buses, and that the units will become iconic to Santiago.
The electric buses are also much cleaner than conventional fossil fuel vehicles, he said.
"One hundred of these buses are going to pollute less than five of the old buses," he said.
The switch to electric buses is part of the government's "Third Millenium Transportation" program to upgrade mass transit in the capital and other major cities.
Chile has acquired a fleet of some 200 electric buses manufactured by Chinese companies Yutong and BYD. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera unveiled 100 BYD-made electric buses in Santiago in December last year, which were the first electric public transit vehicles to operate in the capital city.
