The EIB has granted MPK a total of Zlotys 618m ($US 164.3m) through three loans in the last 10 years. The terms of the EIB loan mean that MPK will benefit from low financing costs and long maturity of debt. “The loan agreement with the EIB will allow MPK to pursue it fleet renewal plans,” says vice-president of MPK in Krakow, Mr Mariusz Szałkowski. “In December, we plan to sign an agreement with the consortium formed by Stadler Polska and Solaris Bus & Coach for the purchase of 15 additional new trams, as part of a framework agreement for 50 trams signed in January this year. Next year, in addition, we will launch a tender for the purchase of 40 more trams.” “This is the third loan over a decade granted by the EIB to MPK for the purchase of new rolling stock or the upgrade to existing fleet,” says EIB vice-president, Mr Vazil Hudak. “The bank has also co-financed over the same period the modernisation of the tram infrastructure. We believe that the development of an effective urban public transport system is one of the best ways to fight against pollution and tackle the challenges of climate change.” For more information on fleet orders around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.