Scania’s 25 years in Bogotá’s public transport
12 MAY 2026
For a quarter of a century, Bogotá’s Bus Rapid Transit system, TransMilenio, has shaped how the city moves. Scania has been an integral part of that story, supporting the system’s evolution from diesel technology to today’s push towards zero emission transport.
That journey came into focus in March 2026 at the TransMilenio 25 Years International Congress in Bogotá, where Scania Colombia reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban mobility and long-term partnership.
A legacy built on progress
The scale of the impact is easy to see: more than 2,500 buses delivered and over 200 million kilometers traveled across the city.
It all started in 2004 with 196 L94 Euro II buses. Since then, Scania has been present through every phase of TransMilenio’s development, introducing progressively cleaner and more efficient technologies, from Euro III and IV platforms to today’s gas-powered fleet and the first electric bus in 2025.
Each step has been part of a broader shift towards cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transport for a growing city. Moving from Euro II technology to modern gas and electric solutions has enabled a reduction in particulate emissions of up to 95%, helping improve air quality while maintaining strong operational performance.
Engineered for Bogotá’s steep terrain
Bogotá’s altitude creates unique challenges. Steep terrain and thinner air demand more from both vehicles and operators.
“Operating at 2,600 metres above sea level represents a significant technical challenge. Therefore, our buses feature specific electronic calibrations to compensate for lower oxygen density, adjustments to injection and turbocharging systems, configurations optimised for steep inclines, and cooling systems adapted to demanding urban operations,” mentions Mauricio de Alba of Scania Colombia.
Together with connectivity services like My Scania and a strong after sales setup, this helps operators to keep the buses running reliably day after day.
Advancing sustainable transport
The next chapter is already underway. As part of the global UITP eBRT2030 project, funded by the European Union, Scania is contributing to Bogotá’s next step towards electrification.
A Scania K230 electric bus, body-built with Busscar and operated by La Rolita, is now part of the system. The focus is on real world testing, collecting data and validating performance to ensure electric solutions can scale reliably in demanding urban conditions.
It is a continuation of a long term approach that prioritises performance, safety, and operational efficiency.
Looking ahead
Scania’s journey in Bogotá has always been about more than vehicles. It reflects a consistent ambition to support customers while contributing to a more sustainable transport system.
“As we look ahead, our focus is to advance sustainable transport through innovation and reliable solutions that create value for both society and our customers. Together, we are shaping the future of mobility in Bogotá,” says Fernando Vanderlinde, Product Manager at People Transport Solutions.
From the first buses in 2004 to today’s electric initiatives, Scania remains part of Bogotá’s evolving transport story, now with an even stronger focus on decarbonisation and the future of urban mobility.
What is eBRT2030?
eBRT2030 (European Bus Rapid Transit 2030) aims to demonstrate the applicability of a new generation of eBRT systems in different urban contexts with innovative solutions that are economically viable and enhanced with new automation and connectivity functionalities. The main objective is to drastically reduce emissions, pollutants and congestion, supporting the transition towards zero emission sustainable transport across Europe and beyond.
eBRT2030 is coordinated by UITP (the International Association of Public Transport) and gathers 45 partners from across the entire public transport value chain.
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