SKOPJE (Macedonia), November 12 (SeeNews) – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on Monday it has approved a 10 million euro ($11.3 million) loan to Skopje public transport company to upgrade bus services in Macedonia’s capital.
“The project aims to improve and modernise bus operations in Skopje through the purchase of a new fleet of up to 35 low-entry Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses with EURO VI engines to ensure improved environmental and operational performance,” EBRD said in a press release.
The total cost of the project amounts to 11.8 million euro.
The main purpose of the project is to increase and enhance the level of public transport service and improve air quality in Skopje which is currently one of Europe's most polluted cities, the lender noted, adding that new buses will replace old diesel Euro II buses.
“The bank's involvement in the project carries transition impact potential both in terms of its environmental impact (through the investment itself and the preparation and implementation of the GCAP) and enhanced governance of the company and improved organization of the bus sector in Skopje, through the associated technical cooperation,” EBRD said.
($ = 0.88194 euro)