Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal took a ride on the Ie-Tram’s test unit to inspect the preliminary work of this modern public transportation project, which will be 100% electric, the only one of its kind in Latin America, and will provide an efficient, modern, and safe mobility option for the people of Yucatán.
At the Gran Parque de la Plancha, the Governor boarded the innovative bus to travel along the section that runs on 39th Street to the Mérida Periférico Ring Road, where he verified the progress of the work. The project includes the use of low-carbon concrete pavement to reduce emissions, as well as the construction of curbs, horizontal and vertical signage, sidewalks with separators, and an asphalt bike lane.
Accompanied by Mayor Renán Barrera Concha and the director of the Road Infrastructure Institute (Incay), Sergio Chan Lugo, Vila Dosal also inspected the construction of the necessary infrastructure for exclusive or dedicated lanes required for the operation of this mode of transportation.
In the presence of the head of the Urban Territorial Development and Mobility Institute (Imdut), Rafael Hernández Kotasek, the Governor supervised the functioning and advantages of these modern vehicles, which will provide all the benefits of a tram but with the flexibility of a bus.
Each unit can carry up to 105 passengers, with 33 seated, and has a range of up to 400 kilometers. They generate zero carbon emissions, measure 12 meters in length, and are equipped with 11 360-degree vision cameras and 5 internal cameras for increased safety. The modular batteries are designed to adapt to various needs, and they also feature special air conditioning for electric vehicles, speed control, USB chargers, and GPS tracking.
Additionally, the Governor noted that the actions of the Arborizando Yucatán project, which includes this project, are already being implemented. The first phase involves planting more than 1,500 trees along the section on 39th Street, and with this plan, over 800,000 trees have been planted throughout the state.
To develop the Ie-Tram, comprehensive reinforcement will be carried out in the road infrastructure, with over 100 kilometers of new and preferential lanes for transportation, as well as electric charging stations. Accessibility will be improved for units, routes, and stops, and complementary facilities will be installed in the city center to connect with existing routes and improve both traffic flow and the image of this area.
With this strategy, not only is a greener state being promoted, but the public transportation service is being completely transformed. It will be the first and only 100% electric route in Latin America, with a type of vehicle that currently only operates in some cities in Europe and the Middle East, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Mobility in the region will be strengthened by connecting three districts, over 137 neighborhoods, 80 existing routes, and 20 tourist destinations. This will reduce noise pollution, and the carbon dioxide they absorb is equivalent to over 170,000 trees planted over a period of 10 years.
The 32 units will cover a distance of 100 kilometers, serving five high-demand routes that will connect Mérida’s downtown area with the Faculty of Engineering of the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY), Umán, Kanasín, Poxilá, and Teya.
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