EBRD Green Cities programme kick-off in Novi Sad: 7 million euros for CNG buses

The purchase of CNG-powered buses for Novi Sad (Serbia) is the subject of a 7 million euros loan decided by the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) in the framework of EBRD Green Cities programme.

The agreement will allow the public transport company of Novi Sad to purchase new buses that run on compressed natural gas (CNG), which, compared to diesel buses, significantly reduce pollution emissions.

CNG-powered buses for Novi Sad

It’s the first signed project under the EBRD Green Cities programme. Furthermore, it is part of the wider ongoing bus fleet renewal, which the company started earlier this year. The CNG-powered buses financed by the EBRD will be in use from 2020 and they will contribute to the significantly improved quality, reliability and attractiveness of public transport, EBRD points out in a press note.

The new buses will replace part of the old diesel bus fleet and will serve citizens on the busiest urban bus routes in the city, thus reducing CO2 emissions by at least 70 per cent. They will also be equipped with wheelchair lift access and allocated areas for disabled people.

EBRD Green Cities programme and Serbia

With around 300,000 inhabitants, Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia. And it is also the second city in Serbia to join EBRD Green Cities, alongside Belgrade. The Bank is also supporting the city in improving the energy efficiency of the iconic public building SPENS, a sports and business centre, and is looking to step up its support for green investments.

EBRD Green Cities is a programme that helps cities articulate a sustainable development vision and the strategic investments necessary to address priority environmental issues. Each city develops a Green Cities Action Plan, which identifies and prioritises their most pressing environmental challenges.

The first signed project for EBRD Green Cities

The EBRD has invested more than €5 billion across 250 projects in Serbia. The EBRD is supporting private-sector development and the transition towards a green economy, as well as investing in infrastructure to boost connectivity in the Western Balkans region, EBRD highlights.

Zsuzsanna Hargitai, EBRD Regional Director, Western Balkans, said: “We are pleased that we are stepping up our cooperation with Novi Sad with the first signed project under the EBRD Green Cities. New buses will help reduce air pollution while providing better quality transport for citizens of Novi Sad. We will continue to support the city in its efforts to create better environment and quality of services in Novi Sad.”