Parliamentary commissions consider new code of railway transport of Moldova

Chisinau, 5 December /MOLDPRES/ - The new code of railway transport was considered in parliamentary commissions today. The document’s goal is to remove the state monopoly on the railway services market.    

Under the document, the railway infrastructure will continue to belong to the state, while the services of towing, transport of passengers and goods could be provided by private operators.

According to the new provisions, the railway transport operators will have right of access to the railway infrastructure based on a payment for the use of the infrastructure. The payment, which will cover the expenses for the management of infrastructure, is to be established based on a methodology of calculation, approved by the government. Also, the railway transport operators will be able to provide transport services at a price they will be set independently.      

The new code establishes strict rules as to the providing of services of passenger transport, ways of service, mechanism of compensation, other aspects dealing with the protection of consumers’ rights. Also, the enterprises due to provide railway transport services will have to hold a permissive act - certificate of safety and the manager of the infrastructure – safety authorization. The concerned acts will be released by the Railway Authority, based on the assessment of the safety management system.   

The information unveiled by the Economics and Infrastructure Ministry shows that the state enterprise Railway of Moldova has accumulated debts worth about 500 million lei. At the same time, the maintenance of services and assets which do not participate in the carrying out of railway transport activities trigger annual losses worth about 100-200 million lei.   

The draft is to be voted by the parliament. Under the provisions of the Constitution, the parliament’s mandate is extended till the legal assembling of a new legislative body. On this period, the parliament can adopt ordinary laws, decisions, etc., can organize hearings, consultations and can carry out parliamentary control.