The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has revealed that it will be providing a loan of RON100m (€22m) to the Romanian city of Constanta for the acquisition of new low-emission buses.

The city of Constanta is reported to be an important hub for commerce, trade and tourism in Romania, and the purchase of the low-emission vehicles would upgrade the public transport system in this region.

EBRD Romania and Bulgaria regional director Matteo Patrone said: “We welcome the city’s commitment to reorganising its transport operations, renewing the fleet and improving the operational efficiency in line with EU standards.

“The EBRD is pleased to support this crucial undertaking that will improve the quality of urban services for almost half a million people.”

As part of the financial package, the EBRD will help the municipality to enhance its transport operations through a joint-stock company which will be operating on the commercial principles in order to improve the quality of services.

EBRD will also offer its support to the city in establishing a regulatory body to manage public transport services in the metropolitan area of Constanta.

"As part of the financial package, the EBRD will help the municipality to enhance its transport operations through a joint-stock company."

The new low-floor buses will have the provision to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs or with pushchairs, and will comply with the European Commission's Euro 6 emission standards for diesel engines.

An additional grant would help in establishing urban transport company to develop a tool to compare and improve operational performance.

EBRD provided this loan to the city under its new programme entitled Romania Framework for Sustainable Mobility and Access to Road Transport, or SMART, which finances improvements in public transport infrastructure and services across the nation.

Image: A view of Constanta. Photo: courtesy of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.