In Bucharest, Romania, public transport is under pressure. This is due to the 20% difference between the rates of demand and supply, and the high wear and tear on infrastructure and the vehicle fleet, about 70% of which needs repair. Substantial institutional and legislative measures are required, and a general public transport model must be designed, suitable for other cities in Romania. These policies should aim to promote better operating efficiency, by introducing decentralisation and deregulation. Investment policy is especially important. The present situation of public transport in Bucharest is reviewed. Aiming to establish an integrated public transport system, the Municipality of Bucharest commissioned an urban transport rehabilitation study by TRANSURB Consult. This consultancy analysed the situation, then made several recommendations, most of which were beyond the Bucharest transport company's competence. They included the following proposals: (1) define national urban transport strategies; (2) outline public transport policy clearly at national and local levels; (3) draft and pass a public transport law, to prepare to establish a Public Transport Authority; (4) establish a fair policy for subsidising public transport; and (5) design better fare structures and passenger information. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 893662.
Abstract