Poreč introduces free public transportation and expands pedestrian zones in the city center

As part of the new strategy for sustainable mobility and improving the quality of life, the City of Poreč has made historic decisions that will significantly change the city's traffic landscape.

In addition to introducing completely free public transport for all local residents, the City is also expanding pedestrian zones in the very center during the summer season. 

With this comprehensive project, presented at official site The City of Poreč positions itself as a progressive green city focused on the needs of its citizens.

Relief of the streets and pedestrian oasis in the center

The main goals of these synchronized measures are to reduce the number of passenger cars on city roads, solve the problem of lack of parking spaces, and drastically reduce CO2 emissions.

The expansion of pedestrian zones is a direct response to long-standing citizens' initiatives and local committees.

The new temporary street closure rules will apply from April 1 to November 1. The following locations will become pedestrian zones and will be completely closed to all vehicles from 17 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily: Zagrebačka Street, Pina Budicina Street. Part of Jože Šurana Street (on the same section) and part of Nikola Tesla Street (from Pina Budicina Street to Mlinska Street, i.e. the Peškera roundabout)

The goal of this temporary closure is to reduce the number of vehicles in the afternoon and evening hours, when the influx of walkers and tourists is highest during the season, thereby drastically increasing pedestrian safety.

Privileged parking tickets for tenants

In order to protect the local population living in the covered zones, a new decision was made on the organization and charging of parking.

Tenants at the newly included locations are now entitled to preferential year-round tickets, ensuring they have a parking space near their home regardless of summer crowds and seasonal fluctuations.

How will free public transport work?

While the city center is closed to cars, citizens are offered free and environmentally friendly transportation as an alternative.

All citizens will have the right to free transportation with residence in the area of ​​the City of Poreč. Residents will be able to pick up their free demonstration tickets at the city administration or utility company premises.

Regarding the modernization of the system, the introduction of additional ecological buses and optimization of lines have been announced in order to better connections suburban settlements with the city center.

The new decisions come into effect immediately and will be implemented during this tourist season. Initial reactions from the people of Poreč are extremely positive, as these measures bring a concrete step towards a more modern, cleaner and more pleasant life in the city.

Green city

As stated on the City's website, "The climate is changing and these climate changes are mainly caused by human activity," and for this very reason, there is increasing discussion about how to reduce human impact on the climate, how to adapt to changes that are already occurring, and how to predict future climate changes. 

The greatest concern about human impact on climate relates to the increased concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, due to the consumption of fossil fuels. In addition, we are increasingly concerned about ozone holes, increasing deforestation and the increase in arable land, which also affects climate factors.

More than half of greenhouse gas emissions are generated in cities. 80% of the population lives and works in cities, where up to 80% of energy is consumed. Local authorities, which are closest to citizens, are in an ideal position to understand their concerns. 

Moreover, they can comprehensively address challenges and thus facilitate the reconciliation of public and private interests and the inclusion of sustainable energy in overall local development goals, whether it is the development of alternative forms of energy, more efficient energy use or behavioral changes. 

Increase in quality of life

Local government, therefore, must become a major player in the implementation of sustainable energy policies, and its efforts must be recognized and supported as such. Local government has a key role in mitigating climate change.

As stated on the official website, the determination and initiative that the City of Poreč-Parenzo has shown with this step are only a logical continuation of our long-standing efforts to promote the principles of sustainable development and develop new ideas and pioneering solutions, the successful implementation of which has resulted in multiple benefits for, primarily, the citizens of the City of Poreč-Parenzo, but also for the responsible City Administration, which will, through the effective implementation of the identified measures for improving energy efficiency to lay the foundations for the energy-sustainable development of the City of Poreč-Parenzo, to enable the transformation of urban city districts into environmentally sustainable ones, to increase the quality of life of its citizens, and to make its City an example of a city of energy efficiency and sustainable development that other cities in Croatia can follow.

/ / / The Poreč summer brings more than three months of events, music, culture and entertainment.