The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated a loan of $60 million to support the improvement of public transport in Ulaanbaatar, which includes the development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Additionally, the project will provide a grant of $500,000 through the Innovative Climate Finance Mechanism for Asia and the Pacific (IF-CAP).
“The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Ulaanbaatar will significantly improve the quality of public transport for passengers,” noted Shannon Cowlin, ADB Country Director in Mongolia. “It may also lead to residents reducing their use of personal vehicles in favor of public transport, which will decrease traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as support economic activity.”
The increase in population has contributed to a sharp rise in the number of registered vehicles in Ulaanbaatar, leading to serious transportation issues and negatively impacting economic productivity and quality of life. During peak hours, the average speed of traffic is less than 10 kilometers per hour, and emissions from diesel buses exacerbate the air pollution situation.
This project will focus on the design and construction of a highly efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that will be fast, reliable, safe, and cost-effective. The system will include dedicated bus lanes, off-bus fare collection, stations accessible to people with disabilities, as well as priority bus passage at intersections, bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure, all in accordance with international standards and best practices.
This program supports the ADB's Partnership Strategy with Mongolia for 2025–2028 and contributes to the implementation of the country’s national commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7% by 2030.
In May 2023, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the launch of the IF-CAP program, which aims to significantly enhance support for the region in combating climate change. Among the first partners of this initiative are Denmark, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Mobilizing resources under IF-CAP will help achieve ADB's ambitious goal of raising $100 billion in climate finance from 2019 to 2030.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues its efforts to reduce extreme poverty and promote prosperity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1966, the bank unites 68 member countries, 49 of which are located in this region.
Tatar S.Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
