A greener and more accessible public transport in Pula
04/09/2025
On 3 September 2025, the City of Pula officially presented its new electric bus line during a public event held at the bus stop near the Istra Rowing Club. Starting from 8 September 2025, the line will connect the bus station, railway station, port, city center, hospital, and Pula City Mall — where a brand-new bus stop has been built within the framework of the CROSSCONNECT project, funded by the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme.
During the launch event, Mayor Peđa Grbin, Tomislav Josipović, Director of Pulapromet, Dalibor Brnos, Director of the Port Authority of Pula, and County Prefect Boris Miletić highlighted the importance of this investment for the city and the region.
“This project involves the cities of Pula and Dubrovnik, together with Brindisi and Venice on the Italian side. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen passenger mobility between ports, airports, and cities. In Pula, we are proud to introduce a new electric bus and a dedicated line, making us – alongside Zagreb and Dubrovnik – one of the few cities in Croatia with electric buses for public transport,” said Tomislav Josipović, Director of Pulapromet.
He explained that the new service will make it easier for both citizens and visitors to move quickly between key points in the city: the bus and railway stations, the port, the city center, the hospital, and the shopping center.
Dalibor Brnos, Director of the Port Authority of Pula, underlined that the project is not only about investments but also about cooperation:
“Beyond the equipment itself, this initiative is an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices with other port authorities, airports, and transport providers in Istria and across Croatia. Thanks to CROSSCONNECT, we have strengthened our collaboration with Pulapromet, and I am confident this partnership will continue in future projects. As part of the pilot, the Port Authority is installing new information displays for passengers, a 180 kW fast-charging station for electric vehicles at Pula’s waterfront, as well as a solar-powered smart waste container – all aimed at making port operations greener and reducing CO₂ emissions.”
Mayor Peđa Grbin emphasized the direct benefits for residents and visitors alike:
“Developing public transport is one of the solutions to traffic congestion and the lack of parking in Pula. It is also a step forward for protecting our environment and reducing emissions. I am especially glad that the new line passes by schools, making it easier and faster for students arriving by train to reach their classes. And for our senior citizens, who since July can use public transport free of charge, this line will simplify access to the hospital, shopping center, and other essential destinations.”
Finally, County Prefect Boris Miletić congratulated all partners involved and underlined the wider vision:
“The core of this project is the protection of the environment and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Every small step towards sustainability and climate resilience is valuable and welcome.”
The launch concluded with a trial ride on the new electric bus, joined by local residents and media representatives. The new service represents a concrete step forward in making Pula’s public transport greener, more efficient, and more accessible while contributing to the overall goal of CROSSCONNECT: building sustainable intermodal connections between ports, airports, and cities across the Adriatic.
