In Lviv, private carriers have warned about the potential halting of some bus routes. They cite the sharp increase in fuel prices and the unprofitability of transportation under the current fare as the reason. This is reported by Espreso.Zakhid.
According to the head of the Ekopastrans concern, Ihor Samardak, the fare for transportation was calculated when the price of diesel fuel was around 44 UAH per liter. Now, wholesale prices reach approximately 70 UAH.
Fare increase for travel in Lviv: why carriers talk about stopping routes
Carriers claim that fuel costs make up more than half of transportation expenses. Due to the sharp rise in diesel prices, businesses have begun to accumulate debts to suppliers.
Ihor Samardak explained that without a response from the city authorities, the situation could lead to a halt of transport services.
«As of today, if there is no response from the city, buses will simply stop. We expect actions from the authorities that will allow us to compensate for the difference, as fuel was factored into the fare when it was significantly cheaper,» he noted.
Currently, carriers continue to operate, although suppliers are already warning about a possible cessation of fuel supplies due to accumulated debts.
Bus routes in Lviv: what solutions do carriers propose
Representatives of transport companies offer several options to stabilize the situation:
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review the current fare for transportation;
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financial compensation for carriers;
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settlement of debts for subsidized transportation;
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temporary suspension of free transfers in transport.
According to Samardak, the carriers' concern includes at least four enterprises, all of which are already feeling financial pressure due to rising costs.
If a solution is not found soon, some routes may stop. This could first affect routes with high mileage and low revenue.
Among the routes that may cease operations:
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№22
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№58
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№59
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№62.
Mostly, it concerns routes that connect the city with remote areas or suburbs.
Recall that low-floor buses have been added to various routes in Lviv.