A surge in tourists and the growth of the local population were straining Tbilisi's aging transit bus fleet. Tbilisi's 143 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses can comfortably accommodate passengers of all abilities and ages. They also run more frequently and reliably, reaching areas previously not covered.

Result

• Tbilisi's new CNG buses have made the city's public buses more tourist-friendly as they conform to safety standards on par with European Union regulations and connect Tbilisi's airport with the downtown area
• The MAN buses with Hexagon Agility's CNG fuel systems meet EURO VI emissions standards, significantly lowering Tbilisi's output of smog-forming NOx and reducing CO2 emissions by 450,000 tons a year

Located between Europe and Asia, near the lucrative Silk Road, Tbilisi has long been located along an important transit route. Recently, the capital city of Georgia became a tourist destination. This was a problem for the city’s aging infrastructure. Fortunately, the citizens of Tbilisi weren’t the only ones who noticed.

The European Union, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund have all given donations to support the modernization and revitalization of Tbilisi’s transportation infrastructure, including a supply of up to 200 modern, new, low-floor CNG buses.

143 have already been put into circulation, allowing Tbilisi’s public transportation system to now comfortably accommodate passengers of all abilities and ages. These CNG buses also run more frequently and reliably, reaching areas previously not covered, and include a new route that connects Tbilisi’s airport with its downtown area.

"I've been transporting passengers in the city for a good number of years," said Gela Modebadze, who has 40 years of bus-driving experience and is a fan of the positive changes. "I have to say that these new buses have exceeded our expectations. They are so modern and environmentally friendly, too. They are certainly superior to the previous buses.”

Better Air Quality

In Tbilisi, reducing air pollution from buses isn’t just a perk, it’s a matter of life or death. The country of Georgia ranks first in the world in per capita deaths due to air pollution. And emissions from aging diesel vehicles is a significant contributor to poor air quality in Tbilisi.

"Eighty-five percent of air pollution is caused by car emissions," explains Otar Gelashvili, Professor of Transportation Studies at the Georgian Technical University. "It is crucial to have modern, eco-friendly public transport in Tbilisi."

Tbilisi's USD $412 million project to implement its new transportation plans is expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by around 450,000 tons and to save around 55 million cubic meters of water per year. It will also result in a dramatic reduction in the amount of toxic air emissions, including hydrocarbons, and especially NOx and particular matter, the latter of which includes black carbon (PM2.5).