KRAKOW TRAMWAY INFRASTRUCTURE (FL 20110202)

Construction and reconstruction of the tramway infrastructure in Krakow

The operation will improve the quality of public transport services in terms of speed, comfort, availability and reliability and will increase the attractiveness of public transport in both areas concerned (the new university campus and its surrounding commercial and residential areas and the stretch between the inner city and the residential area of Bienczyce/Nowa Huta). This improvement contributes to keeping public transport competitive compared to private cars, with associated positive benefits in terms of the environmental and economic sustainability of the city. The two projects are thus expected to improve the quality of the urban environment.

Both schemes fall under Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU, according to which the need for an EIA is decided on a case-by-case basis by the Competent Authority. The Tramway Network extension to the new Campus of the Jagiellonian University was screened in and an EIA was carried out in accordance with EU and Polish regulations. The Tramway network refurbishment was screened out based on the decision of the competent authority. Environmental aspects, including nature conservation, will be checked and further analysed during appraisal. The project will eventually have a positive overall effect on the quality of the urban environment and on society, as it will help reducing air and noise pollution. No main negative impact on the environment in general is expected to come from construction/operation, nor on Natura 2000 network.

The promoter is a public entity and is therefore subject to EU Public Procurement rules. The Bank will check that the Promoter ensures that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (in this case Dir 2004/18/EC, Dir 2004/17/EC and Dir. 2007/66/EC), with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where required. All contracts (design, supervision of works and civil works) have already been awarded. Tenders have been organised in compliance with EU requirements, with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal for all of them as they were above the relevant thresholds. Accordingly, procurement procedures are satisfactory to the Bank.