Integrated Intermodal Connectivity In Bucharest – The Metropolitan Train Project
About this good practice
TPBI implemented the “Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport - North Railway Station metropolitan train” project in 2021 as a pilot for providing a sustainable public rail transport service in peri-urban communities in Bucharest-Ilfov region (BIR), which suffer from a lack of well-developed public transport (PT), particularly with respect to the labor force from the peripheral areas to city, increasing congestion. Authorities designed and implemented the Metropolitan Train project, an investment partnership in railway infrastructure to ensure connectivity. The Romanian Railways introduced urban and metropolitan train services in BIR using the existing railway infrastructure and reactivating unused lines, based on detailed analyses performed by TPBI, considering both the scale of railway corridor and area of influence around the station points. The route activated unused railway lines and connected these communities, anticipating increased demand for PT. Features include the modernization and integration of the ticketing system, offering various payment options, benefiting tourists and residents. Real-time information is provided through electronic panels at stations and navigation apps and the integration of train tickets with metro and bus services improves the travel experience.
Relevant actors: TPBI, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Bucharest City Hall and Ilfov County Council
Beneficiaries: Henri Coanda airport passengers, tourists; residents from neighboring regions.
Resources needed
The total cost of the project was 120 MEUR, financed from government sources. The initiative required infrastructure and maintenance technical staff as well as passenger assistance staff.
Evidence of success
More than 700,000 passengers used the metropolitan train in 2022. The project operates 72 trains per day and has led to the planning of 3 new rail lines that will become operational in 2024. Price for a 1 way ticket is 1EUR. The project was promoted extensively through regional media, ensuring high visibility and acceptance. Impact was strong and sustained by its utility for the region’s mobility, offering a solution for traffic jams.
Potential for learning or transfer
Regions that share the following characteristics with Bucharest-Ilfov are likely to benefit from this initiative. The Metropolitan Train between the Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport and – North Railway Station represents a sustainable transport solution for connecting urban areas and underserved communities in the Bucharest-Ilfov Region. The results obtained by implementing this initiative, have significantly driven the progress and implementation of sustainable mobility solutions across the region, playing a crucial role in shaping regional transportation. The key factors that have determined the implementation of this project were related to: the existing railway infrastructure and the cooperation between public and private sectors. The success of the project determined the TPBI), to implement 3 more railway lines, expected to be operational in 2024 connecting different parts of the region. The collaboration between public and private sectors was instrumental in the project's success.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Bucharest – Ilfov Regional Development Agency (BI-RDA)