El Salvador’s Vice Ministry of Transport (VMT) confirmed on Wednesday that the country expects the arrival of 1,500 new buses by the end of this year or early 2026. Vice Minister Nelson Reyes also announced ongoing efforts to purchase an additional 1,500 units, bringing the total to 3,000 new buses.

In an interview with Telecorporación Salvadoreña (TCS), Reyes highlighted the impact this fleet could have on the capital’s public transport. “With these 3,000 buses, we’re practically talking about renewing the entire fleet in the San Salvador metropolitan area,” he stated.

The new buses, produced by Yutong Bus Co Ltd, are expected to modernize the public transport system through GPS integration, which will allow for route optimization and improved service management. Reyes emphasized the importance of private sector involvement, saying “The State does not intend to become the operator of public transport. Coordination will continue to be made with the entrepreneurs.”

The Legislative Assembly previously approved a $179 million loan to fund the acquisition. The deal includes 400 buses measuring 8.6 meters and 1,100 buses at 12 meters in length, to be paid over 96 months with a 6.5% annual interest rate.

Reyes’ announcement follows an earlier memorandum signed with India in 2023, where El Salvador signaled its intention to acquire 5,000 additional buses. These combined efforts reflect a significant push to overhaul the country’s aging public transport fleet.