Zarechny, 17 January 2013. PenzaNews. Supporters of the Communist Party of Russia held a protest action against the upcoming increase of public transport fare in Zarechny, the Penza region. The protest action approved by the authorities gathered seven members of the party and about 40 citizens. It took place in front of the City Hall of Zarechny on Thursday, January 17. According to the member of the bureau of the regional committee of the Communist Party Alexei Kostin, the Communists are against the policy of the city administration, which, according to him, does not suggest a plan for the development of the road transport system of Zarechny.

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“Raising fares is meaningless — municipal enterprise “Avtotrans” will remain unprofitable and private minivan carriers will receive super profits,” he explained his point of view.

Responding to a question about the solutions to this problem suggested by the Communist Party, Alexei Kostin said that the only good option is to discontinue using the services of private carriers.

“All developed countries of the world have only the municipal public transport. Only with this approach we can ensure the planned development of the public transport market, its stability, and comfort for the passengers,” he stressed.

Alexei Kostin expressed confidence that protest actions are an effective measure “against the arbitrariness of the authorities.”

“Thus, after a protest action organized by the activists of the Penza regional committee of the Communist Party and the movement “Left Front” in April 2012, Penza municipal public transport fare was reduced from 16 to 14 rubles. This proves effectiveness of such actions,” Alexei Kostin said.

He added that the next step would be the Communist Party supporters picketing session of the representatives of Zarechny, where the decision on fare increase is to be made.

“Every deputy will receive a leaflet with our protests and requests,” the agency interlocutor concluded.