Increase in Bus Fare: Travel Costs in 17 Krasnodar Buses to Reach 55 Rubles
Krasnodar Bus Fares to Increase on May 30th
In an announcement affecting public transport users, the cities of Krasnodar have announced an increase in bus fares beginning on May 30th. Affected routes operate under gross contract agreements and adhere to regulated fares, with operators contributing a portion of their revenue to the city budget.
Affected Routes and New Fares
Seventeen bus routes will see an increase in fares: buses No. 19, 32, 33, 66, 83, 89, 91, 101a, 102a, 120a, 121a, 140a, 154a, 155a, 160a, 163a, and 177. The new fare will be 55 rubles, encompassing the transportation of baggage, as well.
Other types of urban transport, however, will not be subject to the same changes.
Rationale Behind the Fare Increase
According to Andrei Belugin, Director of the city's transport and road management department, the fare increase is designed to facilitate the transition of as many buses as possible to gross contract operations. Belugin explains that the city currently covers 100% of the costs for route maintenance from the budget.
Prior to this increase, the fare for regulated tariff bus routes was 40 rubles, unchanged for the past two years.
The proposed fare increase underwent public review and received approval from the city prosecutor's office.
While specific reasons for the increase remain unspecified, generally, transportation fare adjustments can be influenced by factors such as escalating costs of fuel, maintenance, and operational expenses. Additionally, broader economic conditions, including inflation and changes in government policies or subsidies, might contribute to fare hikes.
Potential Impacts on the City's Budget and Citizens
A rise in fares could yield increased revenue for the city, potentially used to enhance public transportation services or offset other municipal expenses. However, higher fares may burden low-income residents and commuters, potentially impacting their overall economic activity and purchasing power, and affecting demand for public transportation. The city might consider offering subsidies or discounts to certain groups to mitigate these impacts. Moreover, increased revenue could be invested in improving public transportation infrastructure, attracting more users.
The increase in bus fares for seventeen routes in Krasnodar, including buses No. 19, 32, 33, 66, 83, 89, 91, 101a, 102a, 120a, 121a, 140a, 154a, 155a, 160a, 163a, and 177, from 40 rubles to 55 rubles on May 30th, may impact the city's budget and citizens due to potential additional revenues, but could also burden low-income residents and commuters, as rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and operational expenses often influence transportation fare adjustments.
