These measures are provided for by the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On measures for the implementation of the project "Purchase of electric buses for public transport in the city of Samarkand and the creation of infrastructure directly related to them" with the participation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)" dated January 22, 2024.
It should be noted that on May 17, 2023, an 18-year agreement was signed with a 3-year grace period for the implementation of the project "Purchase of electric buses for public transport in Samarkand and the creation of infrastructure directly related to them."
As part of the project, it is planned to reconstruct the Samarkand bus fleet, designed for storage, maintenance and repair of rolling stock, including a training center for training and advanced training of drivers, as well as the construction of external power supply facilities.
The contract for the purchase of 100 electric buses and 50 chargers was concluded between the State Institution "Samarqandyo'lovchitrans" of the Department of Transport of the Samarkand region and the company Yutong Bus Co., Ltd, which won the international tender.
The project, which started in 2023, is planned to be implemented by 2025. The purchased electric buses and chargers are leased financially to the private sector by selecting the best offers. Electric buses, by way of exception, are assigned directly to regular urban bus routes selected within the framework of the project on the basis of gross contact for a period of 7 years.
It is worth noting that the financial lease agreement is concluded for a period of 10 years, the funds from which are sent to a special fund for financing public transport in the Samarkand region. In addition, electric buses and chargers will be fully transferred to the lessee's ownership in case the lessee fully fulfills the obligations provided for in the financial lease agreement.
The reconstructed bus fleet will serve carriers (winners of the competition) on a lease basis and will not be sold or alienated to third parties.