World's longest buses: sustainable and efficient transport in Brazil

The Brazilian city of Curitiba, the capital of the southern Brazilian state of Parana has introduced 544 environmentally-friendly 28-metre-long-double-articulated buses, which represent 29% renovation of the Curitiba Rapid Transit System and can carry about 77,000 passengers per day, reducing the carbon dioxide emissions by 50%.

The vehicles are also efficient, as they can travel 22.4 kilometres, with nine stops in 25 minutes, which is 10 minutes less than conventional buses. One of their best features is the sensor mechanism that sends a signal to the traffic lights ahead to turn to a green light at the time the bus approaches a road crossing, thereby reducing waiting time in traffic.

"It's a modern bus, a comfortable and environmentally friendly vehicle, ensuring better quality of public transport for the city of Curitiba", said Luciano Ducci, the Mayor of Curitiba.

Curitiba, nicknamed “the smiling city”, is the eighth largest city in Brazil and one of the most prosperous in the country. It is considered one of the best examples of urban planning worldwide thanks to its urban solutions and respect for the environment.