The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the modernization of public transport in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, through the introduction of 95 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. This initiative aims to improve comfort, accessibility, and environmental performance across the city, marking the second phase of a project that will see a total of 219 CNG buses acquired with the support of a €33 million EBRD financing package.
The new 12-metre low-entry buses are designed to provide safer, more reliable mobility for thousands of passengers, including people with disabilities and families with children. Each bus features wide interiors, three double-wing doors, and a capacity of up to 90 passengers, enabling faster boarding, shorter waiting times, and smoother journeys. Modern information and safety systems, including LED displays, audio announcements, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and enhanced video surveillance, further enhance the passenger experience. Wheelchair spaces, securing straps, handrails, and manual ramps ensure inclusive access for all users.
Environmentally, the new fleet will significantly reduce emissions, cutting nitric oxide by 71% and CO₂ by 38%, supporting Bishkek’s broader sustainability objectives. The project is aligned with the development of an action plan under the EBRD’s Green Cities initiative, supported by €950,000 in grant funding from Japan. This plan will help the city strengthen its green agenda and enhance the institutional capacity of its municipal public transport company.
The EBRD has been active in the Kyrgyz Republic since 1992, investing over US$1.3 billion across 281 projects with a strong focus on sustainable infrastructure and private-sector development, reinforcing its commitment to improving urban mobility and environmental sustainability in the country.
