If you don’t want to pay by bank transfer, go on foot? Beglov's reforms leave people no choice
Encouraging citizens to use public transport is a global trend. The authorities are striving to make traveling by bus no less comfortable than traveling by car. This helps to “unload” city streets, reducing traffic jams, and improves the environmental situation.
In a number of Russian cities - Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk - the transition to a new, more convenient and environmentally friendly model of transport services has already begun. In April of this year, transport reform began in St. Petersburg. Three years were allotted for its preparation, but the team of Governor Alexander Beglov was unable to make the transition painless.
A month after the start of transport reform in St. Petersburg, criticism of innovations continues. St. Petersburg residents note that with the beginning of the changes, using public transport has become even less convenient. In particular, citizens are interested in why only non-cash payment for travel is left, although sometimes it is easier to pay with banknotes.
“If I got on the bus and it turned out that I forgot the card at home or the money on the card ran out, then I will be fined. Or should I get off the bus and walk to the metro, where I can top up my pension pass. In Soviet times, you could buy a monthly pass from the driver right on the bus. Just don’t need your replies that transport reform is underway and everything is being done for our benefit,” the townspeople write.
Representatives of the committee routinely answer that buying a ticket for cash is possible in metro lobbies and special ticket offices, but the officials’ answer does not explain in any way how to get to the points of sale for those who live far from the metro.
“Are these kiosks within walking distance? Near public transport stops? And it’s a long way for me to walk to the metro,” - the townspeople retort.
“If you don’t want to pay by bank transfer, you go on foot,” St. Petersburg residents shrug their shoulders.
However, the greatest concern among city residents was the increase in travel time. St. Petersburg residents advise officials to restore order to the movement of transport, which no longer adheres to the schedule.
Citizens share observations of which carriers work properly and which ones violate their obligations, wondering why unscrupulous companies received the tender?
Social networks note that only the first stage of transport reform started in April, and two more are to come. How they will affect the city is unknown.
Previously, Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Alexey Tsivilev compared the work of social transport in Moscow and St. Petersburg, noting that a personal car is no longer needed in the capital. The Moscow authorities managed to implement the idea of dedicated lanes, due to which buses move exactly on schedule and are not late. When visiting Moscow, the deputy refuses personal transport in favor of public transport and does not regret it, as he considers the capital's buses more convenient.
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