Skopje, 24 March 2026 (MIA) - The Government adopted a decision Tuesday to back the City of Skopje in implementing the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project. The project envisions the construction of two lines in Skopje, one running East-West and the other North-South; the procurement of CNG/hybrid low-floor BRT vehicles, a passenger information system, smart stations, as well as integration into the city’s traffic management system. It will be financed through a EUR 70 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which the Government will transfer to the City of Skopje as non-repayable funds.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski announced the decision in a social media post, stressing that the Government is providing firm support to the City of Skopje for the project’s implementation.

“At today’s government session we confirmed our readiness to build and establish a new modern urban transport system that will improve the efficiency and cost‑effectiveness of the city’s transport network. The project foresees the construction of two lines in Skopje, one East–West and the other North–South; the procurement of CNG/hybrid low‑floor BRT vehicles, a passenger information system, smart stations, as well as integration into the city’s traffic management system. The project will be financed through a EUR 70 million loan supported by the EBRD, which the Government will transfer to the City of Skopje as non‑repayable funds. The deadline for completion of this significant project is February 2029,” Nikoloski said.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the development of the country’s capital requires the introduction of new transport solutions that will provide more efficient mobility for citizens.

“The Ministry of Transport, in cooperation with the City of Skopje, will provide the necessary infrastructure for this type of transit. In addition, with the urban rail project and the procurement of new environmentally friendly electric buses, we will offer a combined transport system in Skopje that will significantly improve the punctuality and efficiency of public transport,” Nikoloski added.

The project for a BRT system was first launched under former Skopje Mayor Petre Shilegov as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in the capital. In 2021, the city secured a EUR 70 million loan agreement with the EBRD to finance the project. Progress stalled after the election of Shilegov’s successor, Danela Arsovska, who initially opposed its implementation. The initiative has since been revived, with current Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski stating in November 2025 that construction is expected to begin by mid‑2026, with certain adjustments to the original plan.

MIA file photo