Tbilisi, Georgia: Within the framework of the “Tbilisi Metro” project, a forum for public transport users was held, attended by the deputy mayor of the capital, Andria Basilaya, and addressed to the participants.
Andrea Basilaya thanked representatives of international financial organizations and experts in the field for their support.
“A very important reform has been started in the direction of transport in the capital city. We are glad organizations like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development fully support us. Their support also runs this forum. Very important steps have already been taken – we have introduced new buses, the design of the streets has been renewed, and now the components of metro renewal are starting, which is very important. This means upgrading stations and moving teams. “Also, there are many other technical components that are included in this reform,” said Andria Basilaya.
The forum focused on projects already implemented or planned within the Tbilisi City Hall transport reform framework. Participants also discussed passenger needs, existing challenges, and priority directions related to public transport services and policy formulation.
Giorgi Sharkov, General Director of Tbilisi Transport Company, Transport and Urban Development Agency, representatives of various international financial and non-governmental organizations, diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia, and local experts attended the event.
“At the event, we talked about what projects have been implemented in recent years, what areas are being focused on, and what plans we have for the coming years.” It is, of course, about both buses and metro development events. “With the help of the capital city hall, central government, and international organizations, we hope that our transport network and quality of services will be closer to European and international standards,” said Giorgi Sharkov.
The Public Transport Users Forum was held with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) grant through the Green Climate Fund. EBRD is one of the important organizations; with its funding, since 2016, a number of successful projects have been implemented in the capital to renew public transport.
Currently, with the bank’s support, the Tbilisi Transport Company is running a “capacity development and stakeholder engagement program.”
