TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – The Albanian capital is stepping up efforts to modernise its public transport system, with the introduction of its first fully electric buses as part of a broader strategy to reduce pollution, expand public transport and improve urban infrastructure, the Tirana Municipality said.
The city’s Unaza bus line currently operates five fully electric buses and 26 hybrid vehicles, as Tirana shifts towards lower-emission and zero-emission transport.
Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions during operation, while hybrid vehicles help reduce fuel consumption and pollution compared with conventional buses, the municipality said.
Preparatory work has also begun on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, developed in cooperation with Germany’s KfW development bank and GIZ. The project is currently at the design stage and aims to double passenger transport capacity through dedicated bus lanes, improving speed, efficiency and reliability.
The initial phase will focus on three major routes: Unaza, Kinostudio-Kombinat and Tirana e Re.
According to municipal data, kilometres travelled by public transport services have increased by 86% since 2021, while passenger numbers have risen by 66%.
The municipality also provides free public transport to around 44,000 pensioners and 22,000 students every month.
Through investment in cleaner buses, infrastructure and expanded services, Tirana aims to make public transport a more attractive alternative to private cars, helping reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
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