Bulgarian residents to benefit from two new urban transport initiatives in a WYG led consortium
PRESS RELEASE
27 FEBRUARY 2013
Bulgarian residents to benefit from two new urban transport initiatives in a WYG led consortium
A consortium led by WYG is providing professional expertise on two new major public transport projects in Bulgaria. The initiatives, in the municipalities of Burgas and Plovdiv, are expected to be completed towards the end of 2015.
As an advisor, the consortium will help the municipalities design, procure and implement systems, with an EU Regional Funding Investment totalling EUR 74 million which will include amongst other things:
- Electronic ticketing
- Real-time passenger information
- Traffic light controlled priority for buses
- Monitoring and control systems (including widespread CCTV)
In addition, the urban areas will benefit from new cycling routes and pedestrian crossings, helping improve pedestrian safety and reducing CO2 emissions.
WYG will also oversee the management of feasibility studies into the future upgrading of public transport in the two municipalities.
Burgas, the larger of the two schemes, will also see:
- New low emission buses
- New bus route networks, including a Bus Rapid Transit scheme (BRT)
- Improvements at bus stops and terminals in addition to a new depot, workshop and compressed natural gas (CNG) filling station
WYG will be responsible for managing the project, developing technical specifications and supporting the tendering process, as well as monitoring the implementation of the investment programme.
Georgi Georgiev, Managing Director of WYG in Bulgaria said: “As you would expect, we are delighted to have won two transport sector projects of this size and complexity. Winning these two projects provides an excellent platform to grow our transport capabilities in the country”.
WYG Director, transport solutions, Colin Shields, who is based at the consultancy's offices in Leicester, said: “It’s an excellent example of a multi-disciplinary consultancy in action in the international arena, pooling project management expertise and local know-how with the Group’s many years of experience in transport solutions. By awarding the contract to WYG, our client recognised our ability to provide first class service and value added”.
Plovdiv and Burgas are ranked as the second and fourth-largest cities respectively in Bulgaria, with combined populations of more than 538,000 people. Both cities are major tourist centres, having their own international transport hubs. Burgas is also the largest port in Bulgaria and plays an important role in the regional economy.
The schemes are the first of a number of major public transport initiatives in Bulgaria, and their successful implementation, which will be closely watched by other municipalities, will set the benchmark for future projects.
ENDS
Louise Gardner, PR and Communications Executive
WYG GROUP LTD
Arndale Court, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2UJ
Tel: : 44 (0)113 278 7111
Email: groupcommuncations@wyg.com
Twitter: @wyggroup
Notes to Editors
One of the top-ranking global consultancies employing around 1,400 people, WYG is behind some of the world’s most challenging projects. Our specialists provide expert advice and project management support that is helping shape landscapes, infrastructure, society and culture in the developed and developing world.
We advise on planning and transport, provide engineering and environmental services, consult on waste and resource management, and deliver support to enable economic and social reform.
By engaging with clients at an early stage we ensure that decisions are made which will maximise a project’s potential and deliver our client’s strategic objectives. In turn, this builds strong and lasting relationships with clients in each of our seven core sectors:
• Defence & Justice
• Energy & Waste
• Environment (including Waste & Waste Water)
• Transport
• Commercial Development & Urban Regeneration
• Mining & Metals
• Social Development & Infrastructure
WYG has an international presence with offices throughout the UK, and in Eastern Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, and South Africa.
