Good practice:

Hybrid buses in Bucharest public transport

EFA is implementing a program aimed at reducing GHG emissions from public transport by providing non-reimbursable financing, up to 80% of the project's value, for the purchase of electric or hybrid buses and trolleybuses. Within the program, Bucharest City Hall was submitted in October 2018 the application regarding the acquisition of 130 hybrid buses and 100 trolleybuses, and the financing contract was signed in December of the same year. The organization of the procedure and the award of the acquisition contract were made by conducting a public open auction, in compliance with national and European legislation, where economic operators in this field were able to submit offers - in accordance with requirements, norms, and detailed technical characteristics listed in the tender documentation. After all stages of the procurement were completed, the winner bidder, Mercedes, will deliver to the Bucharest municipality 130 electric hybrid buses by September 2021. By September 2020, 51 hybrid buses were already put in circulation, the rest is scheduled to be delivered by September 2021.

EFA program has a total budget of 70 mil. euro from the Regional Operational Program (ROP 2014-2020) through European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Bucharest application that was submitted has a total amount of 40 mil. euro, 80% non-reimbursable funds (EFA), and 20% from the local budget.

51 electric hybrid buses into circulation in Bucharest public transport. Regarding the environmental indicators, according to the application submitted, hybrid buses have an emission rate of 6.2 kTonne CO2 / year, with a reduction of 4.2 kTonne CO2 / year compared to Euro 6 diesel buses.

This good practice - for purchasing hybrid buses for public transport in crowded cities can be successfully transferred by all municipalities interested in improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gases. The approached model is of collaboration between the public authorities and the private sector.