The managers of minibus routes in Chisinau are preparing an application concerning the adjustment of fares. These complain that owing to the large costs they incur and because the fare hasn’t been modified for ten years, they do not have money to invest in the units of transport and the schedule of minibuses is thus not respected. The announcement was made by the head of the Transport Management Division Lilian Copaci in the February 20 meeting of officials of Chisinau services and divisions, IPN reports.
Lilian Copaci said the situation is difficult. There is a shortage of qualified drivers and of units of transport. The route managers said they do not have money to invest in minibuses as the prices of fuel and car parts went up, while the fares were last adjusted in 2006. Given such conditions, the schedule is not respected and the passengers are dissatisfied. As they are not profitable, some of the routes are cancelled.
Deputy mayor of Chisinau Nistor Grozavu said the rise in tariffs is inevitable. The fare of 3 lei does not cover the incurred costs. The authorities are ready to examine route managers’ proposals concerning the increase in fares, but these should be reasoned.
The deputy mayor ordered an inventory of the minibus routes to determine the number of units of transport involved, their schedule, etc.
