Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski has announced that the first environmentally friendly electric buses are expected to arrive in January 2027. He said the procurement process is on schedule and the vehicles are expected to help improve air quality in Skopje and other municipalities across the country.
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Speaking to Kanal5, Nikoloski said the public procurement covers a total of 150 buses. He stressed that although Skopje remains the main focus, no municipality will be left out—all those that operate urban public transport will benefit. Among them, he listed Kumanovo, Shtip, Strumica, Gevgelija, Kavadarci, Prilep, Bitola, Ohrid, Gostivar and Tetovo, adding that the full list will be made public.
Skopje had requested 250 buses, while the municipalities had requested 89. Nikoloski noted that a proportional analysis would show municipalities outside the capital in a more favorable position, but that budget constraints meant it was not possible to provide more at this stage.
Under the contract schedule, the first buses are due to be delivered within six months of its signing, which took place in early September. However, the minister said the winning bidder had guaranteed that the first vehicles would be seen on the streets of Skopje as early as January.
Regarding criticism of the procurement from civil society organizations, Nikoloski described the comparisons being made as an attempt at manipulation, stressing that they do not fairly compare buses in the same category.
