Components of the Project include: (i) procurement of electric buses and charging facilities; (ii) construction of bus lanes and depots; (iii) development of intelligent transport management system; (iv) project management and capacity building.

Objectives of the Project are to develop a green bus system and improve public transport services in Yinchuan Municipality through replacing all existing natural gas-fueled buses with electric buses, which reduce emissions and save energy and bus operating costs.

The Project was implemented over four years. People’s Government of Yinchuan Municipality will be the Project Implementation Agency. Procurement was conducted in compliance with the national law and regulations and meet the core principles of NDB’s policy.

The positive impacts of the Project include: (i) improved public transport services; (ii) reduced CO2 emission of buses; (iii) improved air quality in Yinchuan; (iv) reduced bus operating costs; and (v) enhanced quality of lives and economic well-being of local residents. The Project is Category “B” in line with NDB Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and China’s environmental impact assessment regulations. Main environmental and social impacts from the Project include land acquisition and compensation, treatment and disposal of waste batteries, and minor interruption to traffic during construction. These impacts will be mitigated by adherence to requirements of E&S country system.

The actual cost of the Project is RMB 2.205 billion. NDB financed RMB 1.825 billion or 83% of the total cost. The remaining balance was financed by counterpart funds from Yinchuan Municipal Government.