Siem Reap’s E-Bus Project: A Sustainable Transport Solution in the Making

March 29, 2025

On 20 March 2025, ADB-CDIA held a final workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, concluding its feasibility study on the Electric Bus Fleet as Public Service Project. The initiative aims to introduce a low-carbon and smart public transport system in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), Siem Reap Provincial Administration, and other stakeholders.  

“We have finished the study on the electric bus project, which we hope will reduce gasoline use and traffic congestion for the benefit of residents and tourists,” said Ly Sary, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province during his opening remarks. “We hope this can be implemented smoothly, in harmony with other initiatives, and will not harm the livelihood of people working in the transport sector.”  

The Need for a New Transport Solution 

Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat, experiences rapid growth in both population and tourism. By 2033, the district’s population is expected to reach 328,886, while tourist arrivals are projected to hit at least 10.8 million by 2035. This surge, along with increased private vehicle ownership, underscores the need for more efficient and sustainable public transport options.  

To address this, MPWT, in coordination with MEF and Siem Reap Provincial Administration, launched the e-bus project to enhance urban mobility in Siem Reap, aligning with national green and smart initiatives. It sought ADB-CDIA’s support for a comprehensive feasibility study, building on prior studies by the World Bank and the Global Green Growth Institute.  

Fundamentals of Siem Reap’s E-Bus System  

The final workshop marked the completion of the feasibility study, which assessed the technical, commercial, financial, economic, and institutional components of the e-bus system. While the study confirmed the project’s feasibility, ADB-CDIA emphasized the need for critical institutional reforms and demand-generation strategies to ensure successful implementation.  

“Today, the consulting team will share the results of the study, which has a lot of good points and challenges as well,” said Mr. Kong Sophal, Deputy Director General at MPWT during his opening message. “Despite the challenges, we are planting the seed and cultivating it so that in the future, we can get fruitful results. I welcome additional input, and I will work with all relevant stakeholders so that our project can be implemented soon,” he added. 

The proposed e-bus system will consist of 37 vehicles with a total capacity of 70 passengers each. The buses will have modern and inclusive designs such as wheelchair access, real-time passenger information, and contactless payment options. The network will operate on three lines, and recent modifications to the previous network design will ensure higher efficiency and increase ridership. ADB-CDIA also devised the designs of the terminals, the depot, the bus priority corridor along National Highway 6, and the fare system tailored to different customer groups.  

The financial and economic analysis estimated the project’s revenue to be approximately $4 million from the fares and $240,822 from non-fare sources by 2028. However, the analysis also underscored the importance of sustained demand due to the sensitivity of financial performance to ridership levels. The most appropriate public-private partnership (PPP) structure was also recommended, indicating that project success depends on the balance between public and private sector involvement and their ability to handle the risks within their domain of expertise. 

A preliminary market sounding was further conducted, yielding mixed responses. While the network design was well-received, concerns remained about meeting the passenger targets and ensuring private-sector profitability, prompting discussions on further PPP structure adjustments. 

The feasibility study for the e-bus project includes an environmental and social impact assessment to identify risks and impacts and develop mitigation plans accordingly. The project indicated short-term impacts limited to the construction and operation phases. Public consultations were undertaken, particularly with tuk-tuk drivers, to ensure transparency and inclusiveness. Key recommendations include developing supportive policies for tuk-tuk drivers to ensure sustainable integration with the e-bus system. 

Next Steps 

Following the discussions at the final workshop, the next immediate step is to incorporate the feedback gathered from stakeholders into the final feasibility study report.  

With continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Siem Reap e-bus project is poised to become a sustainable mobility model in Cambodia and the region.  

“We can see the enthusiasm and commitment from the government and other stakeholders in uplifting the lives of people in Siem Reap,” said Lara Arjan, ADB’s Senior Urban Development Specialist, concurrently CDIA’s Project Officer. “We are thankful to our consulting team, Dornier Group and KCC, the technical working committee, and all other stakeholders. Our special thanks also to the E-Asia Partnership Fund, the Korean government trust fund at ADB, for funding this study. I look forward to your continued engagement,” she added.

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