EU funds help: The transport terminal in Kuřim serves both passengers and cyclists

Kuřim is one of the important transport hubs not only in the vicinity of Brno, but in the whole South Moravian Region. That is why the revitalization of the Kuřim train and bus stations, resulting in a modern transfer point, represents an important step for the entire region. The first stage was the extension of the underpass under the train station and its opening to the northern districts of the town. That was followed by a general reconstruction of the highly used railway station and a repair of the station building.

The next step was the development of a modern transport terminal, which Kuřim acquired by upgrading the old bus station that was small and insufficiently roofed. The new design expanded the number of platforms from three to five. "Four of the platforms are covered and passengers can reach them dry shod from the railway station building," Drago Sukalovský, Kuřim Mayor, describes the largest change. The interconnection of bus and rail transport is one of the greatest benefits of the new terminal.
 
MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT FACILITIES
The platforms are equipped with modern energy-saving lighting, easy-to-read passenger information system and elegant furniture, including Wi-Fi points and mobile phone recharging stations. The operation of the terminal is monitored by recording cameras. The access roads and pavements were also upgraded. All these new features have significantly contributed to higher passenger comfort.

The transformation of the station included building a new parking lot for 43 private cars, with additional three Kiss+Ride parking spaces that are used for dropping off passengers and a short farewell, and a bus stand.

The reconstruction design also kept in mind those who use bicycles for transport to the station. "Cyclists can use 24 lockable bicycle boxes, twelve of which are able to recharge electric bicycles, as well as a  stand with tools for bike repairs and maintenance and a bike washer,” the town mayor describes the services for cyclists. Not only cyclists will be able to use the sanitary facilities with two toilets, a shower and a baby changing table. The entire area of the bus terminal and the train station is now barrier-free.
 
THEY THOUGHT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
An important part of the reconstruction was a solution for the drainage of rainwater. A retention and accumulation tank was built to collect the precipitation. "The rainwater will be used for watering the station park, or other greenery," says Mayor Sukalovský.

The investor of the project was the town of Kuřim. The chief designer was the Design and Engineering Office of Mr Jiří Bajer, the author of the terminal roof is the company mmcité. The contractor was Gemo Olomouc.

"The total cost of the reconstruction amounted to CZK 131 million, we used a grant from EU funds in the financing," says Sukalovský. The EU-fund project implemented by the Kuřim Town Hall was worth CZK 81 million, 85 percent of which was financed by EU funds. The terminal is now operated by the municipal company Technical Services Centre Kuřim.
 
TERMINAL ADORNED WITH A PARK
The next step will be the revitalization of the station park near the new transport terminal. It is part of the climate change adaptation plan of the town of Kuřim. "The existing publicly accessible park area will be improved, greenery will be planted, paths and paved areas will be repaired, a drinking fountain will also be available," Mayor Sukalovský lists the reconstruction features.
 
"The contractor will also install furniture, wooden platforms and park armchairs, and build a workout area,” adds the mayor. These steps will improve the microclimatic conditions in the town, reduce the risks associated with high temperatures and improve the overall environment of the Kuřim transfer point. In addition, the park will serve as an informal recreational social space of the town. It will be able to host various cultural events, for example the popular parade of historical vehicles.
 
"Cyclists can use 24 lockable bicycle boxes, twelve of which are able to recharge electric bicycles, as well as a maintenance stand with tools.” Drago Sukalovský, Mayor of Kuřim
 
A NEW TRANSPORT TERMINAL SERVES THE RESIDENTS OF KUŘIM. Thousands of people not only from the town of Kuřim use daily the transport terminal that connects the bus and railway stations. Thanks to aid of more than CZK 69 million from EU funds, a very modern space was created, serving more than the public transport. Next to the parking lot, there are also facilities for cyclists. In addition, the entire solution is green, as it harvests rainwater. It is one of the ways Kuřim adapts to climate change.
 
Photo: Deník daily/ Vladimír Vecheta + archive of the town of Kuřim