Better infrastructure for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists is promoting sustainable urban mobility in Alba Iulia, in the Centre region of Romania. Based on a municipal plan, the project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from motorised road transport in the area by 3.5 %, enhancing residents’ quality of life. In all, 14.5 km of footpath, 8.5 km of public transport lane are being upgraded, 9.5 km of cycle path are being laid and a bike-sharing system is under development.
- 04 December 2009
These are large-scale works that will radically change Alba Iulia and through which we will modernise several vital areas of the city. One by one, we are solving all of the city’s problems!
These objectives are part of the second lot of a two-lot EU-funded project. Further features of the second lot are the establishment of 12 bike rental stations, each with 20 electric bicycles with a top speed of 25 km/h and a minimum range of 60 km, and the modernisation of 21 bus stops.
In addition, three electric vehicle charging points, which will be available free of charge, are being installed; 44 trees, four shrubs and 120 perennial plants are being planted. A public awareness campaign is being implemented to encourage people to switch from private cars to cleaner means of transport.
The second lot is expected to increase numbers of people travelling by bicycle in the area by 100 %, pedestrians by 10.5 % and public transport passengers by 7.9 %. Use of private cars should decrease by 5.4 %.
Additional improvements
Under the first lot, which covers a different part of Alba Iulia, 11.4 km of footpath and 6.5 km of public transport lane are being improved, and 6.5 km of cycle track and 8.9 km of public transport lane are being laid. Furthermore, 24 bus stops are being modernised, 595 trees and shrubs are being planted, and three free charging stations for electric vehicles and six bike rental stations with 10 bikes each are being set up.
These activities should increase numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users by 5.4 %, 28.6 % and 18.5 % respectively, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use of private cars by 3.9 % and 6.5 % respectively.
The third stage
In total, three projects were submitted for EU funding. Only the first two lots were approved.
The third lot of work involves upgrades to 10.6 km of footpath and 5.3 km of public transport lane. A further 10 km of cycle path and 10.6 km of public transport lane will be built. The work includes modernisation of nine bus stops, planting of 120 trees and shrubs, and establishment of three electric vehicle charging points and 12 bike rental stations with 20 bicycles each.
As a result, numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport passengers are projected to increase by 5 %, 100 % and 17.9 % respectively. Greenhouse gas emissions and use of private cars should fall by 5.2 % and 6.2 % respectively.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Infrastructure rehabilitation of the major urban public transport network in the municipality of Alba Iulia” is EUR 14 038 513, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 11 919 215 through the “Regional” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Supporting sustainable integrated urban development”.