Hohhot to add 542 electric buses this year

A bus stops at a bus station in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/sohu.com]

In a move that will give a major boost to green mobility in the city of Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, the municipal government is to buy 542 electric buses in 2018.

The total budget for the city's transportation during 2018 is 326 million yuan ($51.52 million), a year-on-year increase of 42.75 percent.

Funding will cover the additional costs for the acquisition of electric and plug-in-hybrid buses, as well as the construction of the related electric charging infrastructure required for the operation of these buses.

The local government has prioritized the development of public transportation in recent years. According to statistics, it has invested more than 1.72 billion yuan ($270 million) in expanding bus services throughout the city over the past five years.

It has also mapped out a plan to improve public transport and accompanying infrastructure over the next three years.

The government plans to establish 44 new bus stops and stations, 680 electric-vehicle charging stations and open 52 new bus routes.

By the end of 2020, 1500 electric buses and 948 new conventional diesel buses will hit the roads across the city.

In addition, the government is committed to promoting the deployment of intelligent public transportation systems by setting up electronic departure boards and smart surveillance cameras at bus stations.

These measures are expected to reduce traffic congestion dramatically in the city and contribute to an overall reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) and pollution.