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European Investment Bank to finance tram modernisation in Krakow and Silesia

Posted: 14 July 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced funding for the purchase and modernisation of energy-efficient low-floor trams for the Polish city of Krakow and Upper Silesia region. The EIB investment will be in the form of two loans totalling over PLN 320 million. The financial package will allocate funding for the purchase of new trams […]

European Investment Bank to finance tram modernisation in Krakow and Silesia

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced funding for the purchase and modernisation of energy-efficient low-floor trams for the Polish city of Krakow and Upper Silesia region.

European Investment Bank to finance tram modernisation in Krakow and Silesia

The EIB investment will be in the form of two loans totalling over PLN 320 million. The financial package will allocate funding for the purchase of new trams and the modernisation of the existing tram stock and infrastructure. Thanks to the attractive financing terms offered by the EIB, the municipal companies will enjoy the benefits of lower funding costs and a long loan repayment period. Structural funding has also been provided by the EU allowing the creation of a holistic financial package that can subsidise the modernisation project.

European Investment Bank to finance tram modernisation in Krakow and Silesia

László Baranyay, EIB Vice-President with responsibility for the Bank’s operations in Poland, said:  “Promoting competitive and environmentally friendly transport services is among the European Investment Bank’s operational priorities.  We are therefore especially pleased that our loans will co-finance the purchase of modern, energy-efficient trams for Krakow and Upper Silesia, since these investments will both increase the safety and quality of public transport services and reduce emissions of substances harmful to the environment.”

The first European Investment Bank loan worth PLN 92 million has been given to the Krakow Municipal Transport Company (MPK S.A.) for the purchase of 36 low-floor trams. The modern trams will be some 43 m long, with a capacity of approximately 300 passengers. They will be air-conditioned and will contain modern passenger information systems as well as ticket vending machines. In each carriage there will be luggage and bicycle accommodation spaces; USB ports and power points will also be provided, enabling passengers to recharge their phones and other mobile electronic devices.

European Investment Bank to finance tram modernisation in Krakow and Silesia

In addition, the EIB will provide a loan worth PLN 231 to improve the Upper Silesia tram infrastructure and more specifically to purchase 42 low-floor trams and modernise the 95 existing trams that have been serving the regions cities for many years. Funds provided by the EIB will also finance the reconstruction of the traction system and modernisation of almost 63 km of tracks.

The modern trams, manufactured by PESA Bydgoszcz S.A, will be fitted with high-tech energy saving motors and special platforms, making boarding and disembarking easier for those with reduced mobility.

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