ULAN BATOR, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's capital Ulan Bator has launched an electric bus service with the aim of reducing air pollution, the press office of the city governor said Tuesday.
"In an effort to improve air quality in the capital city, testing of the 'Eco' electric bus service started on Monday," said the office in a statement. "If the service is deemed to be effective in a period of three months, the service will become permanent."
Ten electric buses made in China will run across the city center during the trial period, it said, adding that it is possible to fully charge the buses at designated places within 8-15 minutes.
Air pollution has been one of the most pressing issues for Ulan Bator, which is home to over half of Mongolia's population of over 3 million.
The country's government has been striving to improve air quality in the capital by taking various measures, including prohibiting burning low-grade coal for domestic use.
