Bermuda sets a benchmark in sustainable public transit with bus electrification

Bermuda is pioneering sustainable transportation in the region by the electrification of its public bus system. Beginning in 2018, with a goal to fully transition its bus fleet to electric by 2030, the Government of Bermuda has successfully integrated 70 electric buses into its operations as of 2024, resulting in nearly complete reliance on electric vehicles for daily transit. This move, the government says,  has yielded considerable economic and environmental advantages for the island.

The Bermuda Department of Public Transportation (DPT) has replaced a large portion of its outdated diesel buses, enhancing the quality of public transit services.  According to spokespersons, the success of this initiative can be attributed to thorough technical research, a well-structured procurement process, and strategic long-term infrastructure planning. Each phase of the project was reportedly executed with a clear focus on local needs, all aimed at achieving the ambitious target of 100 percent electrification.

The deployment of electric buses has catalyzed broader decarbonization efforts within the government, including the electrification of government fleet vehicles and the formulation of national policies on electrification. Additionally, the government is proactively addressing challenges such as battery disposal, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability. With the growth of locally sourced renewable energy, Bermuda seems poised to reap significant benefits from the transition to electric vehicles, paving the way for a more sustainable, economically viable, and resilient future.

A recent report by RMI, titled “Energizing Public Transit for Islands: Lessons from Bermuda’s Electric Bus Initiative,” delves into the planning and execution insights gained from this project. It highlights the diverse economic and environmental benefits associated with electric buses and discusses the obstacles overcome by the DPT, along with the strategies implemented to ensure the project’s success. The report also aims to serve as a valuable resource for other regions looking to electrify their transit systems.

Bermuda’s government posits that the country’s electric bus initiative exemplifies that sustainable public transit is not only feasible but also economically viable for island nations. The report outlines three critical lessons from Bermuda’s experience:

1. Affordability: The investment in electric buses demonstrates that, with prudent budgeting and strategic planning, even smaller budgets can accommodate the transition to cleaner public transit without imposing significant financial burdens. The country reports “an expected annual savings of over $400,000 in fuel costs and the avoidance of 800,000 litres of imported diesel fuel”, according to a press release by the government.

2. Adaptability for Smaller Regions: Bermuda’s approach provides a practical framework for other nations with compact geographies, proving that electrification can be tailored to meet the specific needs of smaller populations and infrastructure.

3. Flexibility for Future Models: While Bermuda’s initiative is centered around a publicly owned transit system, the principles of electrification can be adapted to various ownership structures across the Caribbean, catering to the unique circumstances of each nation.

In the wake of achieving this model, the Bermudan government has issued a call to other small island states in the region to follow suit:

“Bermuda’s electric buses exemplify the benefits of electric mobility—they are quieter, more economical, and emit far fewer pollutants than their diesel predecessors,” stated Minister of Transportation the Hon. Wayne Furbert, “We hope Bermuda can serve as a model for other island communities in their own electric transitions.”