The new circular bus line 8A began operating today on the route Viktorija – Pile – INA (Pod Dubom) – Ilijina Glavica – Viktorija. The inaugural ride from Zlatni Potok to Ploče was joined by the Mayor of Dubrovnik Mato Franković, Libertas d.o.o. director Franko Mekišić, Head of the Department for Communal Services, Transport, the Sea and Local Self-Government Matilda Krile Prkoča, and the President of the Ploče iza Grada City District, Đani Banovac.

The mini-bus used on this route is fully electric and brand new – the first of its kind in Croatia. Mayor Franković highlighted that while some electric city buses are in operation across the country, they are usually second-hand vehicles, making this a national first.

“Today we’re launching a line we promised – the circular 8A – which will help reduce traffic congestion in the city and serve both our residents and visitors. The main idea is to encourage people to park outside the special traffic regime zone, use line 8A to reach the Old City, and return the same way. This is the first of several lines aimed at easing traffic around the historic core. Once the Park’n’Ride system is completed, the next line, Pobrežje–Pile, will be introduced and significantly reduce vehicles in the Old City area,” said Mayor Franković, noting that transport on this line is completely free for 78 residents who hold special passes.

Speaking about future plans for public transport, the mayor announced a new line to the "Kineski zid" (Chinese Wall) area once road construction is complete, improved connectivity to Solitudo after new parking is built at Orsan, and the introduction of two-way traffic in that zone. Director Mekišić also announced the upcoming procurement of three articulated hybrid buses to be used on lines 1A and 1B.

City District President Đani Banovac said the line was introduced at the request of local residents and expressed confidence it would be recognised as a practical and high-quality solution.

The Iveco electric bus used on this route has a capacity of 22 passengers and produces zero harmful emissions.