Passenger carriers demand 145% rise in interurban fares

Passenger carriers are asking for a 145% rise in the interurban tariff from 0.38 lei to 0.93 lei per kilometer per passenger, Info-Prim Neo reports. Speaking at a meeting with Transport Ministry officials Oleg Alexa, a representative of the carriers, lamented their “distressing” situation: “We are living in two different worlds, the Ministry and the carriers. And one of these sides is detached from reality”. Alexa in particular remarked that the price of diesel fuel rose from 9.5 lei a liter in 2009 to 16 lei, spare parts rose in prices and taxes increased, while tariffs remained the same. Other carriers complained of bureaucratic obstacles and bad decisions of the ministry to add buses to already unprofitable routes. Deputy Transport Minister Boris Gherasim replied that roughly a half of the internal passenger traffic and about 40% of the international one was unauthorized. “Last year we concluded that if we solve the problem with the unauthorized traffic no rise in tariffs will be needed”. Gherasim added that a reduction in fuel prices was expected soon, so the issue of raising fares would not be considered in the immediate future. The carriers stated that they would return to the Ministry on May 10 to meet with the Minister himself and then would seek to meet with Prime Minister Vlad Filat on May 22. If their demand remains unsatisfied, they are determined to stage a one-day protest.