EBRD SMART Framework contract Benchmarking and Funding Strategy is a contract for improvement of public transport services and road infrastructure in cities and counties of Romania. The assignment shall assist the selected public local adminstrations and operators through benchmarking support for public transport and road infrastructures management. Benchmarking will provide a tool to compare operational performance within the peer group, helping to: 

- developing best practice and take actions for improved performance; 

- monitoring the quality of service provision and performance and to monitor the performance of the sector. 

A multi-agency agenda will be pursued under the Framework with the objective of obtaining more secure, and longer-term funding sources. The funding strategy shall assess possible funding strategies and ensure broad policy dialogue with recommendations for adoption. Conducting of seminars and roadshows to present the improved opportunities in public transport operations and road maintenance and stimulate increased private sector participation. The Framework contract was signed on February 2018, and will be finalized on January 2022.