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Driving forward public transport reform in Pula
EBRD makes loan for new Croatian buses and supports transport strategy
As part of a comprehensive programme to develop a new transport policy for
Pula, the economic and political centre of the Croatian peninsula Istria, the
EBRD is lending the public transport company Pula Promet d.o.o. €5 million to
buy up to 22 new buses.
The new fleet will significantly reduce the emissions of pollutants and noise
and improve environment and living conditions in the city. Pula is popular as
a tourist destination thanks to its rich selection of historical sites. This,
however, has led to serious traffic congestion and a lack of parking
facilities.
To tackle these issues, the city is working on a sustainable transport
strategy which the EBRD is supporting with €250,000 in Technical Cooperation
funds. A study will examine options for a traffic management and
implementation action plan. Another €50,000 in Technical Cooperation funds
have been provided by the Government of the Netherlands (Croatia Small
Municipalities Grant Fund) for project preparation and for the evaluation of
the current traffic and parking management in Pula.
The agreement includes an innovative provision under which the city of Pula
and Pula Promet enter a public service contract defining the roles and
obligations of both parties, arrangements for service payments to the company,
and the quantity and quality of service provided by the company.
Thomas Maier, EBRD Director for Municipal Infrastructure, said this accord
will establish a clear commercial basis for public transport and also increase
transparency and accountability. By developing a comprehensive strategy the
project will also address the key challenges for the successful development of
Pula, a city with strong potential. The EBRD and the city are also working on
waste water and solid waste investment projects.
The mayor of Pula, Mr Boris Miletic, said the new transport strategy sets
European targets for the development of the city’s urban transport system. It
will provide a better, safer and cleaner service for the citizens and visitors
of Pula.
Pula Promet is majority owned by the city of Pula and currently operates 30
buses on 8 urban and 11 suburban lines. More than 4 million passengers use the
services of the company annually.
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