How did PAZiki and minibuses capture Russia? Which cities got rid of them and what prevents it.

Today, we'll discuss the unique phenomenon of marshrutki in our cities. Why do buses race each other? This abnormality has persisted for almost 30 years and is considered normal in most cities. Even St. Petersburg, after 30 years, still struggles to get rid of marshrutki.

The Business Model of Marshrutkas Marshrutka is a business model, not just a type of transport. In Europe, microbuses are mistaken for marshrutkas because they operate similarly but have different purposes.

History and Transition in Public Transport In the past, marshrutkas were like mini-buses operating on demand with comfortable seating. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, public transport faced numerous problems including route planning and spare parts supply.

Marketization and Issues with Marshrutka Operations Privatization led to neglecting labor standards as private companies exploited drivers who worked long hours without proper rest or maintenance support. This resulted in safety concerns and criminal activities associated with marshrutka operations across many cities in Russia.

Public Transport in the Soviet Union The public transport system in the Soviet Union was efficient and did not interfere with regular transportation. However, modern city transport systems have been deliberately designed to favor minibuses over other forms of public transport, leading to congestion and competition among drivers.

Impact on City Traffic The deliberate creation of bus corridors has led to a high duplication rate (up to 80-90%) of routes, causing traffic jams and fierce competition between minibus drivers for passengers. This has resulted in increased travel times for passengers as well as conflicts between different modes of public transportation.

Role of Electric Transport Systems Privatization efforts focused on buses but neglected electric tram and trolleybus systems due to higher costs associated with infrastructure maintenance. As a result, many cities lost their tram or trolleybus networks due to financial constraints, leaving residents without these convenient means of transportation.

Public Transport vs. Private Cars The perception of public transport as slow and uncomfortable leads to a shift towards private cars, causing a decline in the use of public transportation. This results in traffic congestion, parking issues, environmental problems, and increased accidents.

Impact on Urban Infrastructure The mass adoption of private cars increases the demand for road construction and expansion. However, this desire for more roads comes at a high cost compared to investing in efficient public transportation systems that are essential for sustainable urban development.

Transport Reform in Russian Cities In recent years, public transport in cities like Moscow, Perm, and Tver has faced significant challenges. Buses have caused accidents and citizens feel trapped by their cars. Transport experts argue that minivans are parasitic on the city's infrastructure and should be replaced with mass transit systems.

New Rules for Public Transport Federal regulations introduced new rules for public transportation models based on unregulated tariffs (Model 1) or regulated gross/net contracts (Model 2). Model 1 describes informal routes while Model 2 involves formal service agreements between the city and transport providers regarding tickets, schedules, driver attire requirements etc.

Impact of New Transportation Models The introduction of new transportation models led to changes such as fixed-term competitive bidding processes for bus routes. Private operators must adhere to schedules set by the city administration; failure results in fines or contract termination. Despite reforms reducing microbuses' presence in major cities like Moscow, they still serve rural areas effectively but do not attract many passengers due to unpredictable services.

Infrastructure Challenges & Success Stories 'Good service attracts people.' This principle was evident when some cities successfully implemented gradual reforms resulting in increased ridership without compromising quality despite facing infrastructural issues such as traffic congestion costs exceeding investments into road infrastructure improvements leading to substantial economic losses

Challenges in Transport Reform The main problem for officials in Russia is the lack of good transport reform, which has led to a simpler choice of purchasing new buses instead of minibuses. However, this creates a situation where cities continue to struggle with transportation management and financing.

Barriers to Effective Reforms Multiple factors contribute to the difficulty in implementing effective transport reforms, including shortages of drivers and high costs due to sanctions. The focus on individual interests rather than supporting cities further complicates the situation.

Urban Transport Challenges The closure of public transportation systems and issues with trams and trolleybuses add complexity to urban transport challenges. Additionally, there are opportunities for individuals interested in city development through various channels such as Telegram channels or YouTube content.