Urban Transport Project (Turkmenistan)

The objective of the Urban Transport Project is to improve, on a sustainable basis, the efficiency and effectiveness of urban transport operations in the municipalities of Ashghabat, Mary, and Chardjou. Specifically, the investments will: (1) reform management of the agencies in charge of urban transport operations in the three participating cities; (2) establish a metropolitan transport organization (APAPO) responsible for the overall management of bus operations; (3) improve cost recovery of the operating enterprises; (4) implement an Operations Improvement Plan; (5) augment and preserve supply of bus services; (6) enhance private sector participation in the provision of urban transport services; and (7) establish a continuing process of public consultation. The project consists of the following components: (1) the purchase of diesel buses, electric trolley buses, and a mobile charging unit and equipment for diesel buses for the three cities mentioned above; (2) rehabilitation of these vehicles to include minibuses and spare parts replacement, workshop, computers, and other tools and equipment for bus operating companies, operating costs coverage, and establishment of APAPO; and (3) technical assistance and training for APAPO, municipal governments, and staff.