Moldova's transport reform: Citizens first, says Bolea
The reform of Moldova's public transport system must prioritize citizen interests, emphasizing social inclusion and equity, according to Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Addressing the protest announced by transport operators for July 9, the official stated on Moldova 1's "IN CONTEXT" show that the ministry isn't seeking to antagonize operators but rather to strike a balance between their interests and those of citizens.
The minister emphasized that he will hold discussions with protestors on July 1 to analyze their demands, stressing that the Government's approach is not confrontational but focused on balancing interests.
"Ultimately, this isn't about negotiations. It's all about people. The Ministry aims to maintain a balance between citizens and economic agents. (...) We're interested in developing a strategy and a calculation methodology through discussions with transport operators. But in whose interest? In the citizen's interest," affirmed Vladimir Bolea, noting that in 2024, over 80 million passengers used public transport.
The official expressed concern over the lack of accessibility for people with disabilities in public transport vehicles and advocated for creating inclusive conditions across all relevant policies.
"If today, in Moldova, we don't have a single minibus that can accommodate a person with special needs, is that normal? Is that fair to Moldova's citizens? We must consider citizens and their interests, showing a degree of empathy. More than loving money, we should love people," urged the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Referring to the legislative initiatives for GPS monitoring and E-Ticket system implementation, which are contested by transporters, Bolea clarified that these have not yet entered into force and haven't been voted on by the Government.
"We have discussions tomorrow. We'll begin public discussions regarding GPS to identify the problems and determine the implementation period for this new draft law," concluded Deputy Prime Minister Bolea.
It's worth noting that transport operators, organized under the Employers' Association of Auto Transport Operators (APOTA), have announced a protest for July 9 in the capital's center. The demonstration will involve 120 transporters, with 100 driving minibuses and buses.
Among the transporters' demands are the adoption of a tariff calculation methodology, the re-submission for re-examination of the E-GPS and E-Ticket system initiatives, and the withdrawal of letters from the National Auto Transport Agency obliging all passenger transporters to adapt their vehicles for accessibility for people with disabilities.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
