Lebanon has officially launched its first public intercity electric bus service linking Jbeil and Beirut, marking a major step toward more sustainable and modern public transport. The initiative comes at a time when the country continues to face rising fuel prices, economic pressures, and increasing demand for reliable and affordable mobility solutions.
The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Global Environment Facility and local transport authorities. It was inaugurated at Jbeil Bus Station with the participation of government officials, municipal leaders, development partners, and community representatives, reflecting strong collaboration between national institutions and international partners to support Lebanon’s climate and transport goals.
The new service introduces four fully electric buses operating between Jbeil and Beirut, supported by solar-powered charging infrastructure installed at Jbeil Bus Station. The system is managed under the Railway and Public Transport Authority in partnership with ACTC, with the goal of improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and offering a modern alternative to conventional transport. The route is expected to serve around 150,000 passengers annually, helping reduce traffic congestion, lower dependence on private vehicles, and cut approximately 900 tons of CO₂ emissions each year. The buses are also fully wheelchair accessible, supporting more inclusive mobility for students, workers, women, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
During the inauguration, Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport described the project as a foundational step in rebuilding the country’s public transport system on sustainable and modern principles, emphasizing that public transport is a basic right and a key pillar of economic development. He noted that the route operates through seven stations and is supported by monitoring systems connected to a central operations room. He also highlighted plans for additional routes, including a connection between Byblos and the Saint Charbel shrine in Annaya, as part of wider efforts to expand public transport and reduce congestion and pollution.
The ministry confirmed that Lebanon currently operates 11 active public transport routes serving more than 7,000 passengers daily, with additional bus lines expected to become operational in the coming weeks. Future plans also include expanding transport infrastructure and improving regional connectivity to strengthen mobility and logistics.
Local authorities in Jbeil emphasized their commitment to sustainable urban mobility and continued cooperation with development partners to support projects that benefit residents and preserve the city’s economic and cultural vitality. Former municipal leadership also highlighted the long development journey of the project, which began in 2018 and continued through major national challenges including economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that sustained cooperation was key to its completion.
UNDP representatives described the initiative as an important milestone for clean, affordable, and accessible public transport in Lebanon. They noted that electric mobility can significantly reduce emissions and air pollution while improving access to safer and more cost-effective transport options. UNDP leadership also emphasized that investing in public transport goes beyond infrastructure, playing a direct role in improving daily life and strengthening public services through partnerships between government, municipalities, and development organizations.
While still modest in scale, the launch of Lebanon’s first intercity electric bus service represents a meaningful step toward greener, more inclusive, and more resilient mobility systems, setting the foundation for wider adoption of clean transport solutions across the country.
