Kosice Orders 30 CNG Buses in €13.8 Mn Deal

Kosice, 19 April (TASR) - The Kosice Public Transport Company (DPMK) has signed two partial contracts with Czech firm SOR Libchavy for the delivery of 30 new low-floor compressed natural gas (CNG) buses worth about €13.8 million including VAT, according to the city authority. "Fifteen 12-metre low-floor buses and the same number of 18-metre articulated low-floor buses are to be gradually added to the DPMK fleet as of the next year's summer. The manufacturer has committed to delivering them by the end of October 2027 at the latest," the city authority said. Financing for the EU-funded investment was approved in September 2024 by the Sustainable Urban Development Cooperation Council Kosice, with DPMK providing an eight-percent co-financing share. According to Kosice mayor Jaroslav Polacek, the project represents a significant investment in modernising the public transport fleet and will also increase the attractiveness of public transport. "Together with DPMK, we are investing more than half a billion euros in transport infrastructure and public transport development. I am pleased that the new CNG buses will help renew and improve the fleet," he stated, adding that the long-term goal is a modern, largely emission-free and environmentally friendly public transport system that becomes the first choice for travel in the city. Acting DPMK general director Roman Danko said the new CNG buses would help strengthen the perception of public transport as a modern, ecological and reliable alternative to individual car use. "I am pleased that, after more than half a year of review, the Public Procurement Authority has given us the green light and we can fully launch the process of delivering modern, environmentally friendly buses to Kosice," he said. mf/am