Mayor of Chisinau municipality Ion Ceban said the rise in fares for trips by minibuses could be examined in perspective, but not today or tomorrow or even in half a year. According to him, the fares can be discussed only after the minibuses meet all the requirements, the timetable is respected and efficient connection with other types of public transport is ensured, IPN reports.

After the January 20 meeting of officials of Chisinau services and divisions, when answering journalists’ questions, Ion Ceban said that he hasn’t yet seen the carriers’ request to raise fares. The situation is unpleasant for everyone. A large part of those who provide these services do not honor their commitments. The minibuses are in a bad state and cannot ensure safety.

According to the mayor, it is not right to come and ask for something without offering something instead. A rise in minibus fares is not reasonable in the current conditions, but a decision is to be taken by the Chisinau Municipal Council that will not accept the rise, as he believes. It is not the case to threaten with protests. The carriers, not the drivers can mount protests as they are those who really gain from this business, having luxury cars and houses.

Recently, 14 municipal route managers sent a letter to the mayor of Chisinau and the General Public Transport and Communications Division, saying the situation is disastrous and, of the 1,950 minibuses that ran on routes in 2014, only 780 remained at present. According to the calculations done by carriers, the cost of a trip by minibus was 6 lei in 2014, 8 lei in 2015 and rose to 10 lei at present.

A trip by minibus in Chisinau now costs 3 lei, by bus also 3 lei, while by trolleybus 2 lei.