The municipal authorities have sufficient financial resources to cope with the situation following the suspension of five minibus routes in Chisinau, deputy mayor in charge of transport Ilie Ceban assured. He requested the officials responsible for the municipal transport enterprises in two days to provide a clear analysis to show where and what steps should be taken.

Speaking about the suspended minibus routes in the meeting of officials of Chisinau services and subdivisions, Ilie Ceban said the minibuses on route No. 129 (Dumbrava) stopped running in February.

Instead of minibus route No. 175 (Băcioii Noi), the travellers can use the public transport that runs on Muncești St or Băcioii Noi St. Only one minibus ran on route No. 135 (Trușeni). Solutions will be considered for replacing this. The administrator of route No. 178 (Codru) promised that the five minibuses running on this route will continue work. Route No. 108 (Codru – Mesager St) will not be restored and a bus could be introduced on this itinerary.

“We should not yield to blackmailing. We must cope with the situation and I think we have this capacity,” stated Ilie Ceban.

Contacted by IPN, acting head of the Public Transport and Communications Division Lilian Copaci said buses could be introduced in the sectors where minibuses stopped running. The travellers will be informed about the changes through the press service of the Chisinau City Hall.

Five municipal minibus routes, No, 108, 129, 135, 178 and 175, stopped work on March 2. The carriers argued their activity is not profitable.