Narrative
The main objective of the project is the replacement of all public transportation vehicles by purchasing 27 diesel buses. An integrated ticketing system was installed for the convenience of riders and bus drivers. The validity of these tickets and passes is to be verified by devices, installed in each bus. In order to provide accurate information about the bus arrival times, a system, accessible on the Internet, was created in order to inform passengers in real time. Maps with the bus routes of the public transportation system were installed at all bus stops. Electronic boards were installed at the busiest bus stop locations and inside the new buses, providing real-time information to riders. The route network was optimized to increase the appeal of public transportation. 16 new bus stops were built, in line with the above-mentioned changes. All of the bus stops are to provide wheelchair access and areas for disembarkation and embarkation of passengers. To increase the share of trips made by bicycles, the project also provides funds for the construction and demarcation of bike lanes, including the placement of road markings and street signs, the repair of sidewalks and street pavement, and the installation of bike racks. The last component of the project includes the repair of the maintenance station for vehicles and delivery of repair parts and service equipment.
Financial data
Total project cost: EUR 5 960 291; Grant: EUR 5 960 291; Own funding: EUR 0
Recommendations
Although, the realization of all measures is meant to improve quality of transportation in the city, redirect traffic from cars to public transportation reduce air pollution, the purchase of 27 diesel buses with EU funding totaling EUR 5 690 058 seems particularly inappropriate given the contemporary EU approach towards climate neutrality. This, this project can be considered not a good practice since it threatens to jeopardize decarbonisation efforts by similar projects on a national level.
