As part of the 2025 presentation of the Capital City's Secretariat for Transport, the achievements to date and future plans in the field of sustainable urban mobility were presented, with the strong support of the German development agency GIZ and the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro.
Jasna Sekulović a representative of GIZ recalled that the agency has been actively contributing to the advancement of sustainable mobility in Montenegro since 2011. As she pointed out, thanks to its support, sustainable urban mobility plans have been developed, public transport in Podgorica has been digitalized, cooperation with the municipalities of Kolašin and Rožaje has been expanded, and numerous projects have been implemented, including the installation of secure bicycle parking facilities. Sekulović emphasized that GIZ will continue to support projects of a regional nature in the period ahead.
Marija Kljajić a representative of the Union of Municipalities recalled that local self-government authorities in this field most often face obstacles such as limited financial resources, a shortage of qualified staff, and administrative barriers. She emphasized that this is precisely why support in the areas of knowledge, planning, and securing funding is invaluable, which the Union of Municipalities provides through cooperation with European partners. As she noted, with the support of GIZ, the first local sustainable urban mobility plans and sustainable energy and climate plans were prepared, while pilot projects involving the modernization of public transport, the construction of bicycle lanes, access ramps, and bicycle parking facilities have already been implemented in several municipalities. It was particularly emphasized that citizens must be active partners in planning processes through public consultations and local initiatives, in line with the recommendations of the European Commission.
Jelena Borozan a representative of the Union of Municipalities emphasized that it is particularly significant that today's event is being held as part of the European Mobility Week, which Podgorica has traditionally marked for many years. She noted that this is not only an opportunity to review the results achieved so far, but also to generate new ideas and initiatives, while expressing gratitude to the Secretariat for Transport and GIZ for their support. "Only by working together can we build cities and municipalities in which all citizens, including the most vulnerable, can move easily, safely and freely," Borozan said.
A representative of the Capital City's Secretariat for Transport, Mervan Drpljanin, he recalled that the Secretariat has been operating as an independent body since 2018 and noted that, in 2025, the focus will be on the implementation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, based on five strategic pillars: integrated planning, the rationalization of car use, the modernization of public transport, the development of cycling, and the promotion of walking.
As stated, Podgorica has achieved a number of significant results in recent years, ranging from the procurement of new buses and the integration of public transport routes into Google Maps to the development of the Klik Bus application and the modernization of the ticketing system. Particular importance has been attached to the "Green Centre" project, which involves regulating traffic in the city centre and giving priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. In addition, cycling infrastructure has been expanded, green spaces and parks have been improved, 43 kilometres of roads have been reconstructed, Veljko Vlahović Boulevard has been built, and more than 900 new parking spaces have been provided.
Plans for the period up to 2030 include the preparation of a comprehensive transport development study, the construction of new parking garages and cycling infrastructure, the introduction of adaptive traffic lights and LED information displays at bus stops, as well as the alignment of local regulations with European standards. The objective is clear – to make Podgorica a city of sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, where all citizens can enjoy a better quality of life and a healthier environment.
The Secretariat for Transport stated that, with the support of domestic and international partners, it will continue to implement projects that make the Capital City a place tailored to the needs of all its residents.
