Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze on Wednesday announced the capital's government will be acquiring an additional 40 18-meter buses. He noted the State Procurement Agency has been tasked with initiating a consolidated tender for the procurement of M3 category buses.

"We initially identified a need for 200 18-meter buses, but due to financial constraints, we were only able to secure 160 units. Following discussions with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, it was agreed to acquire 40 more buses. A government decree has been issued to direct the State Procurement Agency to initiate a consolidated tender for the purchase of M3 category buses. I want to extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister and the entire government for their support," said Kaladze.

Regarding the specifics of the additional buses, Kaladze mentioned that they will be compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered with a capacity of 162 passengers, including 43 seats. 

He emphasized that the buses will be fully accessible for people with disabilities and equipped with modern amenities such as integrated heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems tailored to Tbilisi's climatic conditions. 

Additionally, they will feature a voice information system, internal and external anti-vandal video monitoring, mobile charging points, and other contemporary monitoring, management, and security systems.