Ecuador’s Solar-powered River Bus
Brisbane might have it’s iconic CityCat ferry’s but on the Ecuadorian Amazon river, something more unique is being used for public transport. The Tapiatpia (named after a mythical electric eel) is a solar-powered passenger boat being used to connect 9 small communities. Kind of like a solar-powered bus, on water.
The vessel contains 32 solar panels across the roof and can carry 18 passengers at a time. Not only is the Tapiatpia eco-friendly, it’s cheaper per journey than the alternative vessels. If that wasn’t awesome enough, the river bus also serves as a makeshift ambulance, transporting sick passengers to the nearby health center.
Read the full story over at BBC News.