Transcarpathian carriers ask to raise tariffs. Regional authorities do not rush to do that

The head of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration Vasyl Hubal on Friday, October 10, met with representatives of the NGO "Transcarpathian Regional Association of Road Carriers". They discussed the problems of the industry, and above all – the pricing in passenger transportation.

Currently, in Transcarpathia, there is the lowest tariff for passenger transportation – specialists of the RSA responsible for this sector informed, reporting: the one before the last rise in tariffs for passenger transportation in the region took place in April 2013, and on June 4, 2014, it was raised to 32 kopiykas including VAT (26,6 excluding VAT) per one passenger-kilometer. Thus, the fare increased by 20%. But then the cost of fuel, lubricants and accessories increased again, so the tariff, in their opinion, does not cover the costs.    

Representative of the Association Oleksandr Voronin complains that the Commission, which sets tariffs for suburban traffic, takes into account estimates of officials, and not of the carriers. They offered to raise the tariff to 45 kopiykas per one passenger-kilometer (including VAT). "The industry is slowly dying. Bus fleet is not updated, there is no money for that. Also, our tariffs are based on the lowest salaries. Thus, we may just stop working soon" – the carrier says.   

The head of the RSA Vasyl Hubal listened to carriers, however, he did not agree with some criticism. First, the head of the region said that he did not believe that buses run half empty – "You have passengers, do not deny it", – Vasyl Hubal said. However he admitted that illegal carriers indeed had become very active and controlling service do not respond.    He said that the industry needed major changes and stressed that he had heard the carriers, but did not consider it necessary to raise tariffs now. He will study the issue in detail, taking into account both the arguments of entrepreneurs, and – above all – the needs of the service users.

Finally, they discussed the topic of bus stations. The head of the RSA pointed out the mismanagement at these facilities. "I understand you, I came from business myself. But wherever I worked, I always paid attention to the conditions for the people. This is unacceptable. Look for ways to deal with it, maybe rent out some of the premises. Work in smaller areas, but keep it in order and create comfort for the people" – Vasyl Hubal said.