One hundred years old and the fourth largest in Europe, RATB is the main surface public transport operator in Romania. Its routes are uniformly distributed, providing convenient transport links. Since 1990 RATB has implemented several public transport modernisation projects which will improve efficiency, comfort and functionality of services according to passenger demand and EU requirements. The increased number of private cars in Bucharest is RATB's main problem. RATB and the Municipality of Bucharest aim to implement efficient solutions to streamline urban transport, mainly with traffic management projects and the prioritisation of public transport. A tram track modernisation project was undertaken in 2002 and includes improvedtram depots. The fleet has been modernised with the purchase of modern buses and trolleybuses. Facilities for mobility impaired passengers are included and high technology devices and services are available around the infrastructure and on the vehicles. Environmental issues have been addressed and passenger safety and comfort have been improved. A traffic management system has been introduced, and an automated fare collection system is in operation, including the provision of public transport cards with plans inthe pipeline for a system similar to London's Oyster Card.
Abstract