Illegal transportation makes authorized carriers’ work uncompetitive, trade unions

The illegal transportation makes the work of the authorized carriers uncompetitive, but the inspection bodies ignore this problem. The subject was discussed in the second plenary meeting of the Council of the Federation of Carriers and Road Workers Trade Union. “The illegal transportation accounts for about 50% of the total. As the profits of the illegal businesses are unknown, the tariff policy in the field cannot be reviewed. But this would help the authorized companies if not to be profitable, at least to cover their costs,” said the Council’s chairman Boris Rognevki, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Rognevki stated that the regulations concerning the opening of new routes are flagrantly violated, the number of units of transport running on routes is not optimized, and routes continue to be granted to persons who do not have units of transport and specialists. Pavel Rotaru, of motor base No.36 based in Causeni, spoke about the disloyal competition created by carriers that work illegally. “They have money and go to Odessa in Ukraine or to Romania to purchase better spare parts and fuel. We have to buy parts of a poorer quality that become worn-out quickly. The illegal transport sets off also from terminals and stations. Why the authorities do not see this? The inspections are carried out in the buses of our companies only. The control should be fair,” said the man. Deputy Minister of Transport Boris Gherasim said the Ministry pays increased attention to combating illegal transportation. The fines for transporting passengers without tickets were increased and the conditions of examining the vehicles were toughened up. The liberalization of tariffs would be a radical measure, but for this to happen the carriers should also make effort. When the market is free, the carriers who offer lower prices and better services for passengers are in greater demand.