Three minibus route administrators discuss route modification proposals

The administrators of minibus routes No. 171, 135 and 136, whose itineraries partially coincide, and the Chisinau administration are considering proposals for modifying the routes. The carriers complain that they have practically no passengers, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the chairman of the Private Carriers Association Ion Mamaliga, four possible scenarios were discussed in a closed-door meeting with deputy mayor Nistor Grozavu on March 3. “The first solution is to redirect route No. 135 to Albisoara St, which makes a connection with the Railway Terminal. The second solution is to go from Vasile Alecsandri St to Albisoara St and ensure connection with the Central Market and Botanica district, but questions will appear as regards the section between the streets Mihai Viteazu and Ismail. Another solution is to run along Mihail Kogalniceanu St, where there is no public transport. The last, compromise solution is for route No.135 not to go to Ismail St, but to turn left on Armeneasca St and travel along Columna St, but problems will appear on Armeneasca St, which is congested,” explained Ion Mamaliga. The administrator of route No.171 Mihai Reus said they will accept the solution that will solve most of the problems. “The most suitable solution is to redirect route No. 135 to Schusev St towards Kogalniceanu St, where there are many administrative buildings and universities. It can also run along Columna and Ismail streets, which are not so congested,” he stated. On March 2, the drivers working on minibus route No. 171 protested in the Great National Assembly Square against a municipal decision of 2010, whereby almost the same itineraries were set for routes No. 135 and 136.