Over thirty bus terminals to be modernised in Moldova

Chisinau, 23 January /MOLDPRES/ – Over 30 bus terminals in Moldova will be fully upgraded over the next three years. Both the administrative buildings, platforms and parking facilities of bus stations, as well as it will be rehabilitated adjacent infrastructure – sanitary groups, sewerage and water supply systems and lighting networks. Also, there will be built the access ramps for persons with disabilities, while info and management systems updated.

All this will be possible due to a public – private partnership recently concluded by the Public Property Agency (APP). Thus, the rights to operate the services provided by state company Garile si Statiile Auto (Bus stations and terminals) have been directed to a private investor for 25 years. He is obliged to pay for over 25 years in the state budget (BS) over MDL 5 million yearly. The amount will increase by five per cent annually.

According to the APP’s information and media communication service, the modernisation of bus routes will not increase the travel fare in upcoming years. However, the director of APP, Vladimir Baldovici, has said there is no risk that the state will lose its buildings in bus stations.

"As a result of this partnership, both the passengers, bus and minibus drivers and the state will benefit," said the director of APP, Vladimir Baldovici. By him, the bus infrastructure was built over 50 years ago and can no longer handle the flow of transport and passenger units and generates high maintenance costs.

More than 30 bus stations operate in Moldova. According to Bus stations and terminals's data, in 2014 – 2017, the capital repairs amounted over MDL 17 million, at 07 bus stations in Moldova. During the same period, the current repairs took place at 09 new stations amounting MDL 2.28 million.