Tbilisi Mayor Asks for More Zebra Crossings in Capital
By Tea Mariamidze
Thursday, March 1
Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says the current situation in terms of zebra crossings for the pedestrians is not satisfactory, saying more crossings are necessary for maximum safety of pedestrians.
At Wednesday’s session, Kaladze instructed the governors of Tbilisi districts to identify such locations where additional crossings or infrastructure for the pedestrians is necessary.
“We have revealed more than 100 locations where appropriate infrastructure has to be arranged and road signs will be placed. It is also obligatory that the LED lights are installed on the crossings as it is in developed countries, "said Kakha Kaladze.
The Mayor added the City Hall has launched a new transport policy, which is focused on the development of public transport and the safe movement of pedestrians.
“We will bring 100 new, European busses. I know it is not enough but all old busses will be replaced by new ones gradually. In addition, pedestrians’ rights should be protected as much as possible,” the mayor stressed.
At the session Kaladze also spoke about minibuses, saying from March 1, in 14 central streets of the capital, the minibuses will stop at the bus stops in order to defuse the traffic jams in the city.
“At present the passengers stop minibuses where they want to and cross the streets where it is not permitted. This is a very serious problem and endangers both passengers and drivers. This must change,” the mayor stated.
Here are 14 streets minibuses will stop only at bus stops beginning March 1:
1. Vazha Pshavela Ave.
2. Shota Rustaveli Ave.
3. Alexander Kazbegi
4. David Aghmashenebeli Ave.
5. Ilia Chavchavadze
6. Marshal Gelovani
7. Peking street
8. Merab Kostava st.
9. Petre Melikishvili
10. Vakhtang Gorgasali
11. Zhiuli Shartava
12. George Bush
13. David Aghmashenebeli Alley
14. Kakheti Highway
The changes were adopted by the Mayor on December 20, 2017 and mainly aim at reducing constant traffic jams in Tbilisi.
Deputy Mayor Maia Bitadze called on the passengers who use minibuses to ask the driver to stop only at the bus stops.
“This will ensure safe transfer of passengers and will decrease the traffic jams as well,” she stated.
