Bogotá’s La Rolita programme
2026
Bogotá is revolutionising urban transport with La Rolita : a programme of 100 per cent electric buses driven by women.
In a city where gender inequality and unemployment are major challenges, this project has trained more than 700 female drivers since 2022, 95 per cent of whom had no previous experience.
Through partnerships with NGOs, social inclusion workshops and psychological support, La Rolita has created stable jobs (with a retention rate twice the sector average) and improved access to transport in underserved areas.
A social and environmental initiative that proves the energy transition can create opportunities for everyone.
Case study taken from the report: ‘How cities are tackling fossil fuels’ (see the linked factsheet)
Bogotá’s La Rolita project trained female bus drivers to operate a 100% electric fleet connecting previously poorly served routes.
To increase reach, social media was used to promote the company’s call for drivers, and partnerships were set up with NGOs and organisations working with refugees, homeless or people in drug rehabilitation programmes. Community-level activities such as workshops for employees’ families or training to maintain greenhouses served as a vehicle for social inclusion. The project also provided professional psychosocial support to women, as well as training on topics such as personal finances and self-care. To support the wellbeing of staff who attended the project’s training programmes, food vouchers were given out to 198 workers. Certain groups, such as pregnant women and people with disabilities, were selected to receive higher amounts to help mitigate financial burdens they may be facing.
As of 2025, La Rolita has created over 700 new jobs since 2022, including 200 single parents and more than 120 people between 18 and 28 years of age, and has supported 400 citizens in recategorising their licenses and entering formal employment.
Overall, 95% of the people hired had no previous experience. This led women who were previously in informal employment to apply, improving their inclusion in the formal employment system. More than 92 women workers have received support through 222 individual psychosocial sessions, as well as 5 group sessions reaching 135 workers, resulting in improved mental health, reduced anxiety and increased capacity to overcome social barriers.
The programme’s targeted training approach has resulted in a higher-than-average retention rate. Staff turnover is half the rate in companies across the sector (2% vs. 4-6%). The programme estimates that the return on investment cost of having trained workers becomes positive after the first four to six months of work.
Achieving financial independence from fossil fuels
Cities can reduce their financial and reputational risks by severing ties with fossil fuel-related sources of revenue, such as partnerships, sponsorships or investments. A key strategy involves reviewing and divesting from financial assets — such as trusts, pension funds or reserves — linked to fossil fuels, whilst increasing investment in climate solutions. Boston, for example, has redirected its US$635 million general fund towards ESG funds1, achieving comparable or even higher returns. Auckland has also reallocated NZ$1.32 billion from airport shares to a ‘ Future Fund ’, thereby supporting community-led climate projects and Maori-led initiatives.
Another approach involves replacing advertising and sponsorship linked to fossil fuels with more environmentally friendly alternatives to avoid hypocrisy and ‘ greenwashing ’. Cities such as Amsterdam, Sydney and Stockholm were the first to ban fossil fuel advertising, with Amsterdam leading the way in 2020. Paris, in its 2024 Climate Action Plan, has committed to avoiding any partnerships with fossil fuel producers, thereby setting a strong example of financial and ethical alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
1 ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) funds are a type of investment fund that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria into their asset selection and management processes. Here is a brief explanation of each component and their importance
Referencias
Extract from the document, pages 24–25: How cities are taking action on fossil fuels
Para ir más allá
C40 Cities : www.c40.org/