:: Kroatien Blog ::

London, United Kingdom - 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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