Metrorex may raise subway tariffs by 25-33 percent

Metrorex warns that it will be forced to raise tariffs on subway rides, if the special building tax will be implemented. The company that manages Bucharest’s subway transport says it will lose RON 50 million as a result of this new tax, writes b365.ro.

Metrorex requests that it be allowed to raise prices on its subway cards.

“The 2014 budget is unbalanced, since the Metrorex subvention represents only 65 percent of our company’s necessary funding. The tax introduced through OUG 102/2013 which covers special buildings (“the pole tax”) represents a RON 50 million added expense for Metrorex, since our entire network falls under its incidence, this means stations, tunnels. we didn’t have this extra expense last year”, according to Marin Aldea, Operations Manager for Metrorex.

According to the manager, Metrorex’s losses from last year had two causes: the low subvention levels and the postponem,ents of planned tarrif hikes. Increasing the prices was one of the measures that could’ve balanced the budget.

“Raising the prices was included in the budget for May 2013. Metrorex made all the necessary arrangements. The situation was analyzed but in the end the price raise was not implemented, although we took all the necessary legal steps”, the Metrorex manager explains.

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If the Ministry of Transport gives in to Metrorex’s demands, prices will increase by 25 to 33 percent. A return ticket will go from RON 4 to 5, 10 trips will cost RON 20 lei compared to the current price of RON 15 and for a monthly pass of 62 rides Metrorex clients will have to pay RON 65 compared to RON 50.