Bucharest under major repairs: Transport solutions for residents and tourists
By Raluca Ogaru
- NEWS
- 31 MAR 26
Bucharest is currently undergoing extensive public transport modernization. Authorities have started large-scale tramway track rehabilitation, covering approximately 50 kilometers of track funded by non-reimbursable grants.
Although these works are essential for the future of public transport, they significantly affect the circulation of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. To help commuters, the Intercommunity Development Association – TPBI has reorganized routes to provide alternatives in all directions of the city.
Affected areas and traffic restrictions
The works are taking place in several key points across the city:
- Bd. 1 Decembrie 1918
- Calea Șerban Vodă
- Str. Nerva Traian
- Bd. Lacul Tei
- Șos. Petricani
- Bd. Dimitrie Pompeiu
- Bd. Basarabia and Calea Călărași, section between Șos. Mihai Bravu and Hala Traian (traffic on a single lane per direction)
Traffic is fully restricted on:
- Bd. Ferdinand
- Str. Traian
- Str. Maica Domnului
- Str. Reînvierii
- Str. Turmelor
Affected STB lines
Several public transport lines have been affected. Commuters should note the following changes:
- Completely suspended:
- Trams: 17, 36, 19, 14, 55
- Trolleybus: 70
- Modified / diverted:
- 69, 85, 97, 86, 101
- New / shuttle lines:
- 619, 627, 655, 605, and tram line 4
Transport alternatives for commuters
Authorities have created alternative routes and shuttle lines to maintain connections between affected areas:
- Bd. Lacul Tei (lines 17 and 36 suspended): buses 182 and 282, with transfer to lines 5 and 605; alternatively, 182, 243, 282, 290 with transfer to tram 21.
- Partial replacement of line 36: line 101 route modified between Obor and Pantelimon.
- Str. Traian toward the city center and Piața Iancului: shuttle line 655 connecting Piața Sf. Vineri to Piața Iancului via available streets.
- From the city center to Pantelimon neighborhood: line 5, with transfers to lines 655, 86, 21, 66.
- Șos. Petricani, Bd. Dimitrie Pompeiu, Bd. Lacul Tei: new line 290 connects Șoseaua Colentina (Pasaj Doamna Ghica) to Complex Băneasa via Colentina, Lacul Tei, Pipera, Aviației, and Băneasa.
- Bd. 1 Decembrie 1918 (full traffic restriction): commuters advised to go to Bucla Faur, Bd. Lucrețiu Pătrășcanu, Bd. Basarabia, or use the metro at Titan, Costin Georgian, and Republica stations.
- Calea Șerban Vodă and Str. Nerva Traian: shuttle line 619 supplements line 19 between Faur and Șura Mare, with transfer to tram 4 to continue to Zetarilor.
Recommended tickets and passes
To travel efficiently, commuters can use:
- 90-minute ticket – allows transfers between any means of transport within the time limit
- 120-minute ticket – valid for both surface and underground transport
- Integrated pass – for all metro and surface transport lines
READ ALSO:
How the job of STB inspector came about and what fines were imposed in the beginning
Transport modernization, a step toward the future
Although the works cause temporary inconvenience, they are essential for modernizing public transport in Bucharest. In the future, the upgraded infrastructure will allow faster, safer, and more comfortable trams, reducing congestion and contributing to lower air pollution.
Planning routes and consulting the InfoTB before departure remain key for efficient travel during the works.