Lutsk city, the administrative center of the Volyn region, to buy 29 new trolleybuses and improve transport infrastructure. Expanded trolleybus network aims to improve mobility for 217,000 residents of Lutsk.

Some 217,000 people living Lutsk, in the administrative center of the Volyn region, will benefit from more environmentally friendly and energy efficient public transport with 29 new trolleybuses financed by the EIB. The EU bank is providing a €4.36 million loan to Lutsk city under the “Ukraine Urban Public Transport Project” (UUPTP) to renew the electric transport fleet in the city.

“A higher level of customer service and sustainability of public transport in Ukrainian cities will increase citizens’ quality of life, improve the environment and ensure energy savings. Sustainable, reliable and safe transportation will enhance economic growth and improve accessibility while respecting the environment. I am glad that the EIB can contribute to this mission via strategic loans such as Ukraine Urban Public Transport Project,” says Jean-Erik de Zagon, Head of the European Investment Bank in Ukraine.

European Investment Bank is the committed partner of Ukraine in financing of public transport infrastructure projects. When investing in transport, the EIB pursues two core objectives: to make transport greener, safer, accessible and to strengthen the connectivity of goods and people. Since 2007, the EIB has signed financial contracts with Ukraine more than EUR 2 bln in various transport infrastructure projects inside the country.

The EU-funded technical assistance to “Ukraine Urban Public Transport Project” contributes to assisting the Ministry of Infrastructure and participating cities under UUPTP in the successful implementation of their subprojects and gradual approximation towards operating standards and policies comparable to those in the EU.

“Together with the Ministry of Finance and local governments of 11 cities, the Ministry of Infrastructure is implementing an EIB project to significantly upgrade public transport. It is very important as regards to providing quality transport services in Ukrainian cities. New low-floor 12-metre trolleybuses in Lutsk will not only expand trolleybus network of the city and increase the mobility for its residents, but also improve accessibility to transport for people with limited mobility.  I think that our citizens are waiting for such changes. ”, says Natalie Forsyuk, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Infrastructure.

On April 27, 2020 Lutsk City Council and “Car  Assembly  Plant  №1” Subsidiary  of  Public  Joint-Stock Company “Automobile Company “Bogdan Motors” have signed a contract for supply of 29 new low-floor 12-metre trolleybuses including a set of spare parts and consumables, a set of equipment and tools for maintenance, repair and related services. This supply contract became the first signed agreement within the Ukraine Urban Public Transport Project funded by the EIB.

“Thanks to this cooperation, we accelerate the upgrade of our city's public transportation fleet. 29 new trolleybuses will soon be able to go on routes. And residents of our city could benefit from comfortable, affordable and environmentally friendly public transport”, comments Hryhorii Pustovit, Acting Mayor, Secretary of Lutsk City Council.

Background information:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the lending arm of the European Union. The EIB has worked with Ukraine since 2007. The EU bank is committed to supporting Ukraine and helping to create the conditions necessary for the achievement of economic stability. At the moment, the EIB has a portfolio of loans totaling EUR 6.4 bln for Ukraine. As one of the key IFIs in Ukraine, the European Investment Bank focuses on social and economic infrastructure, transport and connectivity, local private sector development, energy efficiency, climate action and innovation. More: https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/eastern-neighbours/ukraine/index.htm(link is external)

The Ukraine Urban Public Transport Project (UUPTP) is a EUR 200 million framework loan for the financing of urban public transport investments in 11 municipalities in Ukraine. The Urban Public Transport operations affect the road safety in rural areas decreasing the conjunctions, increasing the modal shift from road private traffic to public transport use.

Press contact: Olga Sushytska, Communications Consultant, EIB Resident Representation in Ukraine, mobile: +380 67 243 63 55, e-mail: o.sushytska@ext.eib.org