eBRT2030 aims to validate the next generation of zero-emission Bus Rapid Transit (eBRT) solutions through six European demonstrations and one international demonstration and replication cluster in Latin America and Africa. The cluster builds on a flagship pilot in Bogotá, with additional small-scale demonstrations in selected cities across Africa, Latin America and Asia. Through this open call, the eBRT2030 project seeks to expand to three new additional small scale demonstrations.

Selected partners will co-develop, test, and showcase eBRT2030 innovations (including vehicles, smart charging, IoT solutions, last-mile connectivity, fleet management, and other tools) in live operations, feeding data back to the European demos and accelerating global deployment.

Who can apply?

  • City authorities, transport agencies and public or private PTOs operating (or planning) BRT/e-bus corridors in Africa, Latin America, Asia, or the Caribbean.
  • Commitment to deploy at least a feasibility study and a small-scale pilot (e.g. 13 e-buses, a charging point, or an ITS application) during 2025–2026, using project’s funds and local co-financing.
  • Ability to provide operational data and actively engage in joint capacity-building activities with the eBRT2030 consortium (UITP, UEMI, OEMs, universities, etc.).

Why join the eBRT2030 Cluster?

The benefits to joining eBRT2030 include:

  • Technical mentoring & digital twin planning: Access to simulation & planning tools (WP3), with expert coaching to optimise routes, charging and fleet sizing.
  • Seed funding (up to €120 000 per city/operator): EU grant under the “financial support to third parties” scheme, covering hardware, civil works, data collection, or support to local start-ups.
  • Innovation: Vehicle/charging technology and operations, IoT platform & smart charging suite validated in EU and Bogota demos.
  • Capacity building & peer exchange: Study visits to EU demo sites, online workshops and tailored training.
  • Global visibility: Results featured in the eBRT2030 Policy Guidebook and promoted at international conferences.

Interested to applying? Follow these steps:

  1. Download and fill out the Application Package (guidelines, templates, budget sheet).
  2. If the application is submitted by a third party (e.g. a university), provide an endorsement letter from the relevant city authority or public transport authority.
  3. Submit your Application via email to: Flavio Grazian, Project Coordinator, UITP at flavio.grazian@uitp.org by 9 June 2025, 17:00 CET.

ERTICO oversees the eBRT2030 Innovation Management Plan, monitoring progress and KPIs. The project builds on existing innovations for electric BRTs, advancing them to higher technology readiness levels (TRLs). It aims to develop a comprehensive eBRT system integrating advancements in vehicles, charging infrastructure, automation, management, and IoT connectivity.