Bucharest, Romania, needs to adopt an integrated urban transport policy, adequately financed, to address its current transport problems. Its Metro is, and will continue to be, an essential part of its public transport system. In 1975, three main metro lines were put into operation, consisting of 60km of double track, 40 stations, four depots, and a central control centre. The Metro has operated well, with no major accidents, and today provides about 25% of the total trips in Bucharest. Its main objective was to link the city's industrial and residential areas. However, it now has many technical and financial problems, and a well-trained but excessively large staff. There was a decline in its ridership since 1989, due to a rise in car transport. The system can be enhanced only by obtaining a foreign loan. Bucharest also needs a multi-modal transport system, with coordinated routes, full provision for commuting, and a unique fare structure. Unlike most large European cities, it does not have a regional rail network. Such a network should run across the city, with links to suburban areas and airports. Metro lines could be extended, and existing railway lines used, to provide this network. A realistic but daring rehabilitation project is needed. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 893662.
Abstract