The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided a loan of €10m (£8.8m) to improving the urban transport system in Pristina, Kosovo.
The loan has been given to Trafiku Urban, Pristina’s municipal transport company and largest bus operator.
It will be used to finance the acquisition of 30 buses, comprising 24 Euro VI vehicles and six battery electric buses, as well as the associated charging infrastructure.
The scheme marks the first time Kosovo will see electric buses, with the six vehicles operating on a flagship circular route through the centre of the capital city.
Regional authorities hope to use the loan to improve the reliability, safety and efficiency of its public transport system, and is expected to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the current urban transport system by 76%.
Susan Goeransson, EBRD Director of Infra Europe, said: “Promoting the green economy is one of our strategic priorities in Kosovo.
“We are proud to work with the city of Pristina to improve the transport system and reduce substantially the emissions from air pollutants.
“By building on the achievements of our previous project with the city and Trafiku Urban, we solidify a successful partnership and reaffirm our strong commitment to Pristina and its citizens.”
The loan follows on from an initial investment of €10m (£8.8m), which was provided to Trafiku Urban in 2016 for the purchase of 51 new diesel buses.
To date, the EBRD has invested €625m (£551m) in Kosovo, with the bank’s strategic priorities for the region being the promotion of the green economy, supporting competitive development of the private sector and fostering regional integration.
