In Zhytomyr, starting from August 3, the number of buses on certain city routes has been reduced, which means passengers have to wait longer for transportation. The city council explained this by the summer decline in passenger flow and the rising cost of diesel fuel. This was reported by Suspilne Zhytomyr.
The changes do not affect trams — they operate according to the usual schedules. The authorities expect that with the beginning of the school year, the demand for transportation will increase, so they plan to restore previous intervals starting September 1.
Bus intervals in Zhytomyr have increased due to summer and expensive fuel
According to Deputy Mayor Oleksandr Shevchuk, the city reviewed the release of buses on routes due to a seasonal decrease in passenger numbers. In summer, part of the residents are on vacation, and schoolchildren and students do not travel to classes.
An additional factor has been the rising cost of fuel and lubricants, primarily diesel. At the same time, the city council assured that they are trying to maintain bus services during peak hours.
Passengers have already felt the change in schedules. A city resident, Valentina, said she waited for bus No. 25 for about 30 minutes. Other surveyed residents mentioned that during lunchtime the transportation runs noticeably less frequently, and waiting at the stop in the heat becomes particularly uncomfortable.
Buses No. 10, No. 25, and No. 44 in Zhytomyr operate on new intervals
On route No. 25, starting August 5, a weekend schedule has been introduced. The number of buses has been reduced by one, and the interval between rides has increased by about three minutes. The driver of this route, Oleksandr, says that there are also fewer passengers in summer.
On route No. 10, six buses are currently operating instead of eight. The interval has increased from 15 to 20 minutes. At the same time, driver Mykola noted that the number of passengers on this route has not changed significantly.
On route No. 44, the number of buses has decreased from six to five. The interval between buses is about 18 minutes, and there are fewer trips to the city cemetery. Drivers attribute the adjustments to the vacation season and the absence of students and schoolchildren.
When will the previous bus schedule return in Zhytomyr
The city council is aiming for September 1. It is then that, after the return of children to schools and students to educational institutions, buses are expected to resume their usual operating mode.
The tram routes have not been reviewed yet. For example, on route No. 15, the interval, according to the driver, remains about 13 minutes. For passengers, this may become an alternative on routes where buses temporarily operate less frequently.
It is worth noting that a half marathon is returning to Zhytomyr in support of veterans.