Francisco Palacios, a Transmilenio bus driver in Bogotá, is responsible for mobilizing hundreds of people every day, getting them on time and safely to their jobs, homes or their different destinations.
However, Francisco's daily work goes beyond that. Through his work, he is contributing to the country’s development, because he drives the city’s first functional electric bus, which is one of the many initiatives that our company, together with the Mayor of Bogotá, TransMilenio S.A., BYD and Transmasivo S.A., have implemented in the ongoing promotion of electric mobility as an alternative that improves air quality in our city, and therefore improves the citizens’ quality of life.
MORE THAN JUST AN ELECTRIC BUS, IT'S CLEANER AIR FOR BOGOTA
For Francisco, living in Bogota is an enriching experience, being part of such a vibrant and cosmopolitan place where each corner emanates art and history, is something that fills him with pride; However, he is aware that certain things in the city should improve, such as having cleaner air, which is currently a necessity for Bogota's citizens.
Aligned with this purpose, Enel - Codensa is committed to environmental sustainability, by using new technologies to service energy, and in this way improving the quality of the air we breath in our cities, and seeking to transform our country’s capital into a smart and sustainable city, on par with the world’s big cities. This is why we have promoted electric mobility for the last 8 years, and in 2017 we launched a proof of concept plan for the first 100% electric bus, which is currently driven by Francisco, and which, in its more than 290 days in operation has traveled approximately 57,000 kilometers in a sustainable way by cutting down CO2 emissions by 110 tons, transported 295,000 passengers who have enjoyed comfortable trips without the typical vibrations and noise pollution, due to its silent electric engine.
A VISION FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Today, Francisco is a key player in our city’s transformation. With the energy he puts into his daily work, he is building a better future for his children, a future in which they will enjoy cities with cleaner and sustainable spaces, that will allow them to grow healthily and develop their full potential.
“For me, progress is not only about will, but also about constant efforts and appreciating what we have”
At age 40, he increasingly believes that the introduction of this sustainable alternative in the city’s mass transportation system will bring important benefits in terms of improving quality of life, mobility and public health. This is why from his job he will continue to promote electric mobility by making it a reality for all.