Minister of Transport and Road Infrastructure Vasile Botnari is concerned about the possible effects of the rise in interurban bus and minibus fares and called upon the carriers to take part in a constructive dialogue and to find a compromise solution, IPN reports.

Attending a meeting with associations of transport employers, the minister said that the mandatory rise in fares will affect the socially deprived people. “We need a compromise solution to be found over the next few days so that the fares are increased gradually. Even if a court decision was passed, an amicable agreement for a gradual rise is possible,” stated Vasile Botnari.

On August 29, the Supreme Court of Justice upheld a Court of Appeals decision providing for a 0.2 lei rise in the interurban bus and minibus fares per kilometer. The fare for 100 km is now 38 lei, but will increase to 58 lei.