Krakow approved an urban transport policy in 1993 and since then has been developing the best projects to implement this policy. At the same time, extensive research and planning was undertaken with respect to municipal finances. As a result, a Fast Tram Project (north-south, through the city centre) was decided by the City Council for various reasons, including: (1) urban transport policy implementation measure; (2) public transport company economics and public service; and (3) traffic and parking management within the city centre. The City requested the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to consider co-financing the proposed project. The Bank provided technical co-operation to carry out a detailed feasibility study and to analyse the City's finances to determine its creditworthiness. The study recommended implementation of a 14.1 km line, comprising a mix of existing links and new track. The project is to be implemented using turnkey contractual arrangements.
Abstract