Residents of Košice in east Slovakia are enjoying better public transport thanks to the purchase of a fleet of modern buses. The ERDF-supported investment provides nine, low-floor, 18 m buses and nine electric buses. All are used on popular lines across Košice and its suburbs. The new buses have improved passenger experience, increased reliability of services and have helped to reduce transport costs and emissions.
- 24 July 2020
The new bus fleet provides the city and people of Kosice with a number of benefits, including increased reliabilty of service and improved levels of passenger comfort. The vehicles are also better for the environment as they comply with the strictest EU emissions standards. Plus, operation and maintenance costs are lower compared with the old fleet.
The new fleet is helping to reverse the decline in public transport use in the Košice region. People have been put off by a lack of passenger comfort and by poor reliability, both in terms of services being cancelled or running late due to breakdowns. The operator – Transport Company of Košice city – estimates these problems have reduced passenger numbers by 11 million over recent years.
Environmental benefits
In addition to reducing breakdown and failure rates, the new buses bring multiple benefits. They comply with the strictest Euro VI emission standards and so reduce pollution from public transport. The modern design reduces noise emissions compared with older buses.
One key goal is to encourage more people to use public transport. The new buses are more accessible to all, including people with limited mobility. They have a high standard of interior comfort and are air conditioned. The driver benefits from an improved and more comfortable cab design. Additionally, a modern information system for the travelling public has been rolled out.
Cutting costs
As more people begin to use the new buses, the transport company will benefit from increased sales. The new fleet’s greater reliability brings down operation and maintenance costs, certainly compared with the vehicles they have replaced.
Implementation of this project helps the city fulfil its goal of improving public transport services and complements other initiatives, including the renewal of the local tram fleet and the introduction of a contactless payment system.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Purchase of high-environmental low-floor public transport buses in city transport” is EUR 6 735 916, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 5 725 528 through the “Integrated Regional Operational Programme” for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Low-carbon economy”.