Tens of minibuses and buses were parked in the central square of Chisinau. Carriers are protesting at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s intention to promote regulations that they consider anti-European, IPN reports.
Anatolie Munteanu, executive director of the Employers Association of Transport Professionals “Transportul”, said that almost 80% of the proposals were worked out by carriers, but what the authorities introduced are just schemes. They do not have another solution than protesting. “There are no options. We have no other way out and have to only cease operations. The transport services in Moldova could be stopped by the New Year,” stated Anatolie Munteanu.
As to the authorities’ assertion that the carriers refuse to put modern vehicles on routes, Anatolie Munteanu said the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development should repair the roads as the new vehicles cannot run and break down on the way on the roads, which are of a poor quality.
Two weeks ago, the Government approved a bill that ensures greater flexibility on the bus services market. From now on, the local public authorities will be able to decide to open or modify regular passenger routes. The local public authorities will be able to intervene in the process of opening and modifying particular routes, regular routes. Changes to the schedule of routes could be made outside the preset period, offering increased flexibility and passenger-oriented services. So far, the changes in inter-district transport were made once a year.
