The Municipality of Buzău has secured 20 electric minibuses and 20 slow charging stations via a contract exceeding 24 million lei. These vehicles are intended to cater to students and other commuters in the city and surrounding regions through „on demand” stations, as reported by the municipality.
Scandal Background
Earlier, Dragoș Pîslaru, Minister of Investments and European Projects, declared his intention to dispatch a Control Body to assess the procurement process of electric school minibuses, which were financed through the PNRR. Allegations have surfaced regarding inflated prices. Reporteris.ro indicated that Romania purchased 1,300 electric school minibuses for 250 million euros, inflating costs to 200,000 euros each (excluding VAT), while the actual maximum price should be around 70,000 euros per unit. A Prahova-based company, Aveuro, won bids in 60% of counties, including Iași. The owner’s mother leads the PNL Prahova Women’s Organization and is closely linked to baron Iulian Dumitrescu, who is under investigation for corruption.
Buzău City Hall: They will function via an innovative „on demand” transport system
As stated by Buzău local administration officials, the acquisition was made in accordance with a financing contract aimed at modernizing the local public transport vehicle fleet, funded through PNRR.
„According to the assignment file, the contract covers: supply of 20 electric minibuses, 20 slow charging stations, charging infrastructure, connections, garage platform design, platform construction. The contract value amounted to 24,613,500.00 lei without VAT. (248,847 euros/unit). The awarding criterion is based on the best quality-price ratio… The purchase price was determined according to the allocation stated in the Applicant’s Guide – Component 10 – local fund, as noted in the funding application for investment I.1.1 – Renewal of the vehicle fleet intended for public transport (acquisition of non-polluting vehicles) – Acquisition of non-polluting minibuses/250,000 euros/unit, excluding VAT. The finalized purchase amount was 24,500,000 lei, without VAT,” a document sent to Agerpres by Buzău Municipality’s leadership reveals.
The local authority affirms that the electric minibuses will operate using an innovative „on demand” transport system, enabling software to dynamically plan routes based on user demand, thereby minimizing both traveled distances and operational time. Consequently, vehicles will not solely follow fixed routes but will adjust according to passenger requirements. The system can consolidate multiple riders heading to similar destinations, maximizing seat occupancy.
Buzău Mayor: Defend myself against unwarranted accusations?
„These microbuses are equipped differently, with various software, and a cost prescribed by regulation, up to 250,000 euros. No theft was involved; if anyone has information to the contrary, they should file a complaint. Should I defend myself against unfounded accusations? There are 12 minibuses accounted for, 8 more coming, totaling 20, but they are not merely school minibuses. They possess various features, such as passenger counting, e-ticketing, and 20 electric charging stations. 12 minibuses are currently being tested, and once the others arrive, software testing will commence. It’s a distinctive feature; they will function with virtual stations, a few hundred virtual stops will be established alongside physical ones. I encountered this system in Germany and integrated it here. They will likely operate until 1 a.m. They can accommodate 9 passengers, aside from the driver, and also have 9 standing spots, plus air conditioning,” declared Buzău’s mayor, Constantin Toma.
The project aims to enhance the number of trips made via public transport, particularly by encouraging a shift from personal vehicles to public transport systems, while also aiming to lower emissions and greenhouse gases by moving towards eco-friendly propulsion systems.
„Every bus will feature a passenger counting system, integrated with the CGMT on-board computer, enabling tracking and recording of passengers transported over specified time intervals, station, line, and bus numbers. Electric buses will be outfitted with a surveillance system, both inside and outside. The system must incorporate at least 4 high-resolution color digital cameras with audio recording capabilities, housed in vandal-proof casings. Buses will be equipped with devices that enable real-time location transmission (via the on-board computer) either to fixed AVL equipment at traffic-light intersections or to a central system, allowing integration with the traffic management center through the public transport control office, facilitating the exchange of information such as notifying of delayed vehicles and requesting priority passage at traffic-light intersections. Collision avoidance and driver assistance systems should continuously monitor traffic risks or inattentiveness and provide visual and audible alerts to drivers in real-time,” the document from Buzău Municipality further details.
The government determined the purchase price, the administration indicated.
„The reference price was established by the government through the Ministry of Development, and the specification sheet was created according to their fixed regulations. We have no issues. They were acquired through PNRR, a different axis from the one meant for school minibuses. The price is around 4.5 million euros. They will be utilized for students and others alike. In the morning, we will transport children to school and bring them back post-1 p.m. after classes. They can also cater to passengers in areas where buses do not have access. Essentially, this will transport you from home, not precisely to your doorstep, as virtual stations will be set up in neighborhoods, around hotels, parks, and key locations,” added Constantin Toma.
Three bidders participated in the auction, with a winner announced, and no appeals submitted.
