The Municipality of Ploiești city, in Prahova County, Romania, has submitted a funding request for the procurement of a new tram fleet expected to be financed from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The project covers the acquisition of 20 new trams worth EUR 40 million to be delivered in 36 months from contract signing.
The financing documentation was submitted in partnership with the authorities of Ariceștii Rahtivani, a commune in Prahova County, 16 km north-west of Ploiesti, which intend to increase the mobility and comfort of the citizens travelling between the two destinations served by two tram lines.
Ploiești city in partnership with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration starting the implementation of the project for the acquisition of 20 trams with European funding but the tender held by the ministry ended later than expected and their delivery scheduled for 2023 – the deadline for the project completion. Pesa Bydgoszcz was named the winner of the tender but did not sign the contract due to the delay of the project and announced that it will not be able to deliver the new trams until 2024.
In order not to lose state funding, the city authorities decided to transfer the project to obtain funding through the NRRP which will be implemented by 2026.
RON 160.8 million (EUR 32.7 million) was the eligible costs of the project with RON 137 million (EUR 27.8 million) being covered by the ERDF and RON 20.8 million (EUR 4 million) from state budget. This project is funded by the Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020 under the urban sustainable development project to reduce transport CO2 emissions in urban areas.
The Ploiești Municipality says that the public transport development is part of strategic vision of the city and commune and will answer mobility needs as well as climate change challenges which cand also be tackled by a green and energy efficient transport system. Currently, more than 15% of the Ariceștii Rahtivani citizens are travelling to Ploiesti area where the industrial zone Ploiești West Parc is situated.
The acquisition of the new tram fleet is part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for 2016-2030 which highlights the need of modern vehicles to promote public transport, to meet transport demand and to reduce the pollution level. The city is facing increased pollution due to industrial activity and road transport exceeding the legal limits regarding harmful emissions and the effects on health.
Share on:
