Tbilisi to Have 200 New Electric Buses from 2020

In 2020, the Georgian capital Tbilisi can expect an additional 200 new electric buses, said Mayor Kakha Kaladze on Monday while summing up one year's worth of work.

Kaladze stated that at the end of 2019, the existing fleet of old buses will be completely replaced by new ones. City Hall has already purchased diesel-based 10-meter MAN 90 buses, which will start operating from February.

The Mayor noted that a tender for the purchase of 220 units of diesel-engine, 8-meter long buses has been completed and soon the winning company will be revealed.

"In 2019, we are preparing a tender for the purchase of 240 units of CNG-engine eight and 10-meter long electric buses. As I promised, the process of purchasing buses will be completed by the end of 2019," said Kaladze

In the frames of the bus replacement program, a total of 750 buses will be purchased which will replace the old buses completely and increase the total number of buses by 200 units.

Kaladze explained that in 2019, Tbilisi will have a detailed program for buses implemented by the French company "Sistra". He said there will be 11 main transit corridors for buses which will be used by large-capacity buses.

The Mayor added the new system will make public transportation more comfortable and faster compared to travel by private vehicle.

Kaladze said more new projects are to come, including one which will effectively use the potential of the River Mtkvari.

By Thea Morrison