Georgia: Georgian CoM Signatories Shift to Modern Low Emission Buses

Passengers in six Georgian Covenant of Mayors signatories — Kutaisi, Gori, Telavi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Poti will soon travel by 100 new modern diesel (Euro 5) buses. The New low entry diesel buses will have lower specific fuel consumption per passenger contributing to reduction of GHG emissions and significant reduction of air pollutants (SOx, NOx, CO, and VOC).

The buses will be given to the towns as part of the Urban Transport Enhancement Programme of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The goal of the project is to establish regular bus services in each city as well as enhance the existing transport companies and establish new ones if needed. The total project cost is €11,800,000. The EBRD will allocate €10,000,000.

Another Georgian CoM Signatory, Batumi is also planning to renew its fleet of municipal transport. On September 10, 2019, Belkommunmash signed a contract for the supply of 8 units of electric buses for Batumi, Georgia. The contract provides the supply of electric buses model E490 with autonomous run on the basis of supercapacitors. Electric buses for Batumi will be equipped with an air conditioning system for the driver’s cab and passenger compartment and video surveillance. The delivery under the contract is scheduled for the second quarter of 2020. 

Introduction of the low-emission busses conforming to high safety standards and European regulations will result in a dramatic reduction of emissions improving local air quality and bringing economic and public health benefits and also will contribute to the fulfillment of commitments undertaken by these cities as CoM signatories on reduction of CO2 emissions on their territories.