BishkekSmog activists raise trolleybus issue with EBRD head

Activists from the Bishkek-based environmental group "BishkekSmog" met with the head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, in Riga. The activists raised concerns about the full lifecycle guarantee for trolleybuses purchased with EBRD funding, advocating for its inclusion in the bank's policies.

The group expressed cautious optimism, noting that Kyrgyzstan will have a new regional director for the EBRD starting September 1. "BishkekSmog" stated that previous leadership did not officially permit the transfer of trolleybuses as required by the agreement. They also criticized the Bishkek mayor's office for its lack of an official stance in defending 15-year investments in the trolleybus system.

Previously, a project with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed to expand Bishkek's electric transport by acquiring 120 electric buses, complementing existing trolleybuses funded by the EBRD. However, in June 2024, Bishkek began dismantling its trolleybus network, and 100 trolleybuses were transferred to Osh. Bishkek residents have filed a lawsuit against the city council's decision, arguing it violates the loan agreement for the trolleybus purchase.

The EBRD leadership has reportedly expressed concern over these developments and pledged support for sustainable transport in the region. EBRD specialists are scheduled to visit Bishkek in May 2025 to assess the situation surrounding the dismantling of the trolleybus service.

“

There are reasons for optimism. From September 1, Kyrgyzstan will have a new regional director of the EBRD. The previous leadership did not give official permission for the transfer of trolleybuses, which needed to be done according to the agreement, but at the same time, we did not even see an official position from the Bishkek mayor's office to protect 15-year investments in trolleybuses.