The city's bus fleet has been almost completely renewed in recent years
For the sake of credibility, the information mentioned a Turkish company producing electric vehicles and the brand of an electric minibus. In the comments to this publication, people actively debated whether or not Chisinau needed electric minibuses. And no one noticed that the date of publication was April 1.
Why did the topic found such a lively response and why was the joke so quickly believed? Everything is simple – the problem of urban transportation is still extremely topical and topical. As well as the problem of ecology in the city. It is a dream of every citizen to solve them in one fell swoop.
Moreover, to launch electric minibuses in the city is not a fantasy at all. Many municipalities are already following this path. For example, last year Hyundai Motor Company presented the first electric minibus County Electric – an economical, environmentally friendly, safe and convenient alternative to diesel buses. It is available in various configurations – with seating capacity from 15 to 33 seats. The battery can be fully charged in 72 minutes with the standard Combo 1 DC system, based on 150 kW charging. But it is also possible to use a 220V household outlet to charge the bus, but the process will take 17 hours.
Of course, such buses are probably more expensive than diesel buses. But zero emissions cannot be measured in money.
Meanwhile, today minibuses continue to serve routes in the capital and suburbs. Almost all of them are diesel-powered and far from new. This public transportation of small capacity is in demand among passengers, especially in the suburbs.
Transport workers say that at the end of last summer in the City Hall was held a meeting with the participation of heads of services and companies-carriers. It was reported that the cost of transportation of one passenger by bus reaches 26 lei. The passengers pay 6 lei per ticket. The difference is covered from the municipal budget.
About 10 years ago there were over 2 thousand minibuses in the municipality. Due to various restrictions and the loss of the most profitable routes (through the city center), rising prices of spare parts and fuel, the number of minibuses has decreased to about 200 cars. Of these, about 150 minibuses are on the line every day. The number of companies-administrators has decreased from 20-25 to 8-10. The marshrutkas are not visible, because they work mainly in the suburbs.
At the same time, over 300 buses and trolleybuses (new and used) have been purchased over the last four years. The costs were covered from the municipal budget. The city bus fleet has almost completely renewed its rolling stock.
Maybe, during the next transportation purchases the mayor’s office will pay attention to electric buses and minibuses? And then the April Fool’s joke will become a reality….
