Legislative proposal: More than 50% of Romania’s new public transport vehicles to be electric

Six Romanian MPs have submitted to the Senate a legislative proposal which aims to reduce the level of pollution in urban areas and promote the new technologies for public transport. According to the law, at least 50% of the new means of transport purchased by the local authorities, the public transport companies, and the companies subordinated to administrative-territorial units will have to be electric, reports local Mediafax. The provisions also apply to minibuses and school buses. Moreover, some private companies will also have to comply with the new law. “Private companies that carry out public transport activities in cities and metropolitan areas will ensure, starting 2020, a car park which is at least 50% electric,” reads the legislative proposal. According to the law’s explanatory memorandum, the proposal aims to reduce the level of pollution in urban areas, by lowering the gasoline and diesel consumption, and to promote the new technologies in transport. “The electric public transport vehicles have a beneficial contribution to the communities’ economic and ecologic sustainability,” the legislative proposal reads. The law might come into force if the MPs vote for it. The Senate will have to give the first vote. The ultimate test: Electric bus crosses Romania’s high altitude road Transfagarasan Romania’s capital starts testing electric bus for public transport Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com