Zahle has taken a big step in direction of sustainable public transport by introducing 4 hybrid electrical buses.
This initiative is a part of the “Selling Surroundings-Pleasant Public Transport” mission, launched in Zahl-Al-Muallaqa and Taanayel with help from the European Union.
Funded by the EU with a grant of EUR 1.2 million, the mission is managed by the Financial and Social Fund for Growth (ESFD).
The mission’s launch was marked by a collaborative assembly on the municipal places of work, attended by EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele, ESFD Managing Director Haitham Omar, his crew, and Assaad Zgheib, President of Zahle-Al-Muallaqa and Taanayel Municipality, together with different council members.
Mr. Zgheib expressed in the course of the launch “his gratitude for the EU for his or her funding and diligent oversight”. He defined the detailed bus routes, stations, operational processes, and upkeep plans, all beneath the cautious supervision of Zahle Municipality.
He additionally praised the ESFD’s proactive method in addressing environmental safety and local weather change issues, noting that “the choice to introduce these environmentally pleasant buses got here after excessive air pollution ranges have been detected within the metropolis”.
He emphasised that “this initiative would considerably scale back air pollution and the fee burden of land transportation, which has skyrocketed 15-fold in lower than two years as a result of ongoing financial disaster”.
Throughout the occasion, EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele acknowledged: “I’m pleased to be inaugurating this inexperienced and sustainable initiative in Zahle. It’ll scale back air air pollution and enhance public transport for all”.
She hoped that “it would function a mannequin for different city and congested areas throughout Lebanon, significantly with its environmental, financial, and well being advantages”.
The rides might be free for senior residents, people with particular wants, and kids beneath ten. College students will obtain a 50 % low cost on fares.
The mission not solely supplies Zahle Municipality with these hybrid buses but additionally contains technical help to make sure their clean operation and administration.
