Santo Domingo has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking public transportation initiative set to launch in early 2026. The government announced a new electric bus route specifically designed to serve the historic Ciudad Colonial district, marking a significant step in urban mobility enhancement and heritage area revitalization.
The innovative transit solution will deploy a fleet of five fully electric buses along a 12.5-kilometer route featuring approximately 30 strategically placed stops. Sixteen stops will be situated within the historic zone’s core, while 14 additional stops will connect surrounding areas. Each vehicle incorporates universal design principles with capacity for 22 passengers, dedicated wheelchair spaces, and priority seating for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals.
This new service will establish crucial connectivity between Ciudad Colonial and the Plaza de la Cultura while integrating seamlessly with Santo Domingo’s existing public transit network, including direct links to Metro Line 1 for broader metropolitan access. Operational management will be shared between local bus operators and the national transit authority.
Government officials emphasize multiple anticipated benefits including enhanced accessibility to the historic center, reduced traffic congestion, decreased air and noise pollution, and improved mobility options for both residents and tourists. In a notable commitment to gender equity, the pilot project will feature an all-female driving workforce—surpassing initial targets of 60% female representation. All operators have received specialized eco-driving training.
The transportation initiative forms part of comprehensive infrastructure rehabilitation efforts currently underway in the historic district, encompassing heritage facade restoration, street and public space renovations, and social housing improvements.