Modernized public transportation in Tbilisi with introduction of 18-meter MAN buses
The city of Tbilisi is set to experience a significant upgrade in its public transport system, as the Tbilisi City Hall has presented a fleet of 18-meter MAN buses as part of the capital's transport renewal program.
Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced that these new buses will gradually enter service on city routes starting September 27. The remaining buses from the purchase are scheduled to replace older vehicles gradually.
The purchase of these modern buses was carried out under an agreement between the Tbilisi Transport Company and Tegeta Holding. The new buses were officially unveiled by Mayor Kaladze, Vice Mayor Giorgi Tkemaladze, Head of Tbilisi Transport Company Giorgi Sharkov, and Head of the Transport and Urban Development Agency Nino Bagashvili.
Each 18-meter MAN bus is designed to carry up to 162 passengers, with 43 seats. They are equipped with climate control systems adapted to Tbilisi's weather, wheelchair space, voice information systems, anti-vandal video monitoring, USB charging ports, WIFI connectivity, and digital information displays.
These new buses are part of Mayor Kaladze's goal to ensure that every district in Tbilisi has access to modern, comfortable public transport. From September 27, these new buses will begin operating on various routes, while the 10- and 12-meter buses they replace will be redistributed across the network.
The buses are fully accessible for people with disabilities, featuring a retractable ramp. They are also part of the ongoing efforts to expand bus lanes in Tbilisi. As of the current situation, 76 of the 18-meter MAN buses are already in service.
The total investment in the project involving the 18-meter MAN buses amounts to €111.1 million. The new buses purchased last year are now in Tbilisi and ready to serve residents. The efforts aim to make public transport more attractive for daily commuters.
However, the exact date for the deployment of the first 104 not yet used 18-meter MAN buses in Tbilisi city traffic is not specified in the available information. Nonetheless, with these new additions, the future of Tbilisi's public transport system looks promising and comfortable.
