WILLEMSTAD - The electric bus project at ABC Busbedrijf has been abruptly halted, raising concerns from the UGTK/Cadmu union. The suspension came after the Netherlands decided to pause all collaborative projects with the Dutch research institute TNO in the Caribbean region.
Wendell Muelen, president of the UGTK/Cadmu union, expressed alarm, citing potential negative impacts on economic activity and employment.
The project, a collaboration between the governments of Curaçao and the Netherlands, TNO, and ABC Busbedrijf, was intended to introduce electric buses to the island’s public transportation system. "Despite previous agreements with companies like Global Oil and Oryx Midstream, no concrete plans have been presented," Muelen stated.
Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Zsolt Szabó (PVV) announced the suspension during a meeting with the prime ministers of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. Curaçao’s government is now seeking alternative funding to continue the project, which includes plans to acquire six solar-powered electric buses.
Muelen expressed disappointment over the project's halt, noting, "This initiative was seen as a crucial development for public transport in Curaçao. By the end of 2024, ABC Busbedrijf was expected to receive five new medium-sized buses, but now everything is on hold."