Tbilisi City Hall expands 18-meter bus fleet to “improve” public transport

Tbilisi City Hall on Wednesday announced it continued to modernize the transportation system by introducing new 18-meter buses, as part of its ongoing transport policy.

Mayor Kakha Kaladze highlighted the introduction of the longer buses was aligned with international studies and based on the identified needs of passenger flow in the city.

“As of today, the city’s bus fleet has reached an unprecedented 1,935 units, significantly enhancing public transport accessibility. All buses meet the Euro 6 emission standard, which plays a crucial role in improving environmental conditions,” he said. Reflecting on the situation in 2017, Kaladze claimed the “remarkable transformation” in public transport, noting, “back then, the fleet was outdated and insufficient, but today we are seeing a radically different situation.”

The mayor also discussed the “sharp rise” in private vehicle ownership.
“In 2017, there were around 250-280 thousand cars in Tbilisi. As of September 3 this year, that number has risen to over 687 thousand. This growth is partly due to economic expansion,” Kaladze claimed, adding that car dependency in Tbilisi was three to four times higher than in European cities.

According to a city transport survey, one out of every five car trips covered a distance of less than 1.5 kilometers. Kaladze pointed out the city’s efforts to develop bus lanes, improve pedestrian infrastructure, and prioritize eco-friendly and public transport in all new urban projects. “This strategy is proven to reduce car dependency, speed up public transportation, and enhance the safety of both pedestrians and passengers,” he noted.

The mayor also encouraged walking and cycling over short distances and stressed the benefits of using Tbilisi’s interconnected 77-kilometer bus network, which he said aimed to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and enhance air quality in the capital.