The "Green Transport Tirana" project is marking an important step towards the modernisation of public transport in the Albanian capital. Funded by the European Union, Germany and the Municipality of Tirana, this project aims to develop and put into operation the first electric bus rapid transport system in Tirana, known as "e-BRT". It will be launched initially on three of the main transport lines in Tirana: Unaza (Ring), New Tirana and Kombinat-Kinostudio.

The aim of the project is not only to improve the provision of services in public transport, but also to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, thus contributing to the objectives of climate and environmental protection. The total project cost of €110 million is covered by EU funding through a grant of €31 million via the Western Balkans Investment Framework, a loan of €50 million from the KfW Development Bank and €29 million from Municipality of Tirana.

The electric bus rapid transit system is expected to increase the average speed of buses on selected routes from 9 to 20 km per hour, which will significantly improve the efficiency of public transportation.

EU ambassador Silvio Gonzato, German ambassador Karl Bergner, the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj and the director of the KfW Office in Albania Brit Horschke were present at the presentation of the project.

"The European Union is very proud to join forces with Germany and the Municipality of Tirana to build the future electric bus transport network with zero emissions for Tirana. The public transport system will be faster, cleaner, and more attractive to citizens therefore helping to reduce the number of cars in the city. We estimate that the project will significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of the city and the reduction of harmful emissions, leading to cleaner air for the benefit of the residents of Tirana", said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

"Our investment in clean and reliable public transport emphasises the commitment of the German Federal Government to support Albania in its transformation towards membership in the European Union. This project invests the money for the good of the citizens of Tirana, who will directly benefit from faster transport, less traffic jams and a cleaner environment," said German Ambassador Karl Bergner.

"This project will transform three main lines in the city, making them many times faster. We will have an extraordinary surge in terms of public transport in Tirana. If a round trip on the Ring today takes 54 minutes, with the new urban line it will take 27 minutes. Of course, it will be more worthwhile to take the bus than a private car to cross the Ring", emphasised Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj.

The project is expected to prevent approximately 4,300 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, as well as reducing particulate matter (PM) by 0.18 tonnes per year and nitrogen oxide emissions by an average of 25.55 tonnes, contributing to cleaner air and climate protection efforts.

The electric bus rapid transit system will be implemented in the following 3 corridors:

Line L15 – East – West from Kinostudio to Kombinat – 17 km (both directions)

L14- Ring, circular line – city centre – 3rd Ring – 14 km (both directions)

L13 - New Tirana, circular line - central and western part of the city - 21 km (both directions).

The project was identified as Flagship 4 - Renewable energy - of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

More about the project here