Electric public transport of Burgas, Bulgaria.
About this good practice
In the last 10 years, city of Burgas completely transformed its public transport.
Within an EU funded project started in 2011, Burgas Municipality purchased 56 new buses standard EURO 6, designated bus rapid transit /BRT/ lines covering city’s entire territory, implemented priority traffic lights for public transport, traffic management system and electronic bus tickets.
These investments significantly increased the comfort of passengers on one side and reduced the operating costs on the other.
In 2019, Burgas took a step further with the decision to completely electrify its public transport and turn it into 100% zero carbon. With the support of EU funds, bank loans and own funds in the period 01/11/2019 - 06/12/2022, Burgas managed to purchase and put into operation 56 electric buses and 56 charging stations, as follows:
- 10 electric buses (length 18 meters) with a mileage of about 270 km and 10 charging station AC/DC 100 KW;
- 34 electric buses (length 12 meters) with a mileage of about 240 km and 34 charging station AC/DC 100 KW;
- 12 electric buses (length 9 meters) with a mileage of about 380 km and 12 charging station DC/DC 100 KW;
In 2023, public company Burgas Bus ltd., which operates the public transport of the city, constructed 990 kWp photovoltaic installation, connected to the buses charging stations. Thus Burgas becomes one of the most advanced and green cities when talking about public transport.
Resources needed
EU funded projects, bank loans and city budget:
- 56 buses, charging stations - 58696800.12 lv without VAT.
- Electronic ticket system, GPS positioning, real time information - 1822530.00 lv without VAT.
- Cable routes to charging stations and 2 electric substations - 560000,00 lv without VAT.
Evidence of success
The electrification of public transport in Burgas led to reduction of PM10 with 3.93 tones/ annually and increase of annul travels with 82000.
Potential for learning or transfer
Burgas could serve as a good practice for European cities, how for a relatively short period, a local authority can completely transform its public transport. From a city with old buses and ineffective transport scheme, nowadays it is one of the most advanced European cities with 100% zero carbon public transport.
Burgas could also be pointed as a good example how European funds are used in the best possible way for the sustainable development of cities, succeeding to completely transform such a large sector as the public transport.
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