Will the fare on Irkutsk minibuses increase from 2016.

In Irkutsk they are again discussing a possible fare increase on minibuses. The ticket now costs 12 rubles, but drivers are seeking a tariff review. In spring their protest already caused transport disruptions, and now the decision depends on documents that at least ten carriers must submit. Whether the ride will become more expensive in 2016 will be clear after the tariff service reviews the papers.

Residents of the regional capital can be envied. Since 2008, the fare on minibuses has been 12 rubles. However, in the region’s cities the ticket price is significantly higher. For example, in Angarsk and Bratsk passengers pay 16 rubles when they get off. Irkutsk residents would be happy to continue enjoying this, but the thing is that this situation does not suit the minibus drivers. So will fares go up in 2016 or not?
As a reminder, in the spring of this year the minibus drivers began protesting about this issue. Some drivers did not go to work in the morning, demanding that the fare be increased. They “went on strike” in a big way — with sabotage and smashing windows in their colleagues’ vehicles. Passengers suffered too: the buses were packed to the brim, like rush hour on the Moscow metro. Fortunately, the protest did not last long, but the drivers did not forget their, one might say, dream.
So what is the problem? Why not raise the fare? By comparison, in the capitals of other regions our prices are called wonderful. In Ulan-Ude, minibus drivers receive 17 rubles from one passenger, in Omsk and Kemerovo — 18, and in Chita — all 19. But another question is looming: when will the quality of transportation on Irkutsk minibuses improve?
As the expert explains, at least ten carriers need to gather documents substantiating the new tariff.
Alas, that is precisely the snag. Either there are not enough entrepreneurs, or their documents are not in order. The Tariff Service of the Irkutsk Region was forced to refuse fare increases.
The minibus drivers made another attempt to raise their wages ahead of the New Year holidays. Ten carriers submitted all the papers on December 18. They are allotted 30 working days for review. Whether we will pay more for the fare will be known in 2016.