Only 70 percent of driver jobs on Chisinau's minibus routes are currently occupied, leaving many minibuses stationing. Whereas in the past there were three drivers assigned to two minibuses, today operators are unable to provide even one for each, says Ion Mamaliga, the president of the Association of Private Carriers. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, Serghei Olaru, the operator of routes 113, 188 and 186, said that a lot of vehicles in his fleet remained without drivers, with at least 15% remaining parked every day. The increase in fuel prices is another reason making drivers quit and seek jobs abroad. Mihai Reus, operator of route 110, confirmed that the shortage of drivers is a major issue. Because of the low earnings, they prefer to work in construction jobs abroad, he said, adding that operators lose drivers with experience and proper replacements are very hard to find. Operators hope the situation will improve in autumn, when the passenger numbers are expected to rise significantly and thus increase the drivers' interest, whose earnings depend on sales. There are 19 minibus route operators in Chisinau.