Penza, 8 May 2015. PenzaNews. Activists and supporters of the Communist Party intend to hold a rally against the planned fare increase in the urban public transport picketing in front of Penza administration on Friday, May 15.

© PenzaNewsBuy the photo

The notice of the action, which is expected to gather 50 participants, was submitted to the city administration on Friday, May 8.

As the spokesman of the Communist Party regional committee Sergei Padalkin informed PenzaNews agency, the Communists demand that the authorities prevent the rise of fare on buses, trolley buses and minibuses, as well as put things in order in the suburban transportation.

“Yesterday, there was a briefing with [Natalia] Klak [the head of the department for rate regulation and energy efficiency of the Penza region]. She said that the carriers asked for the rate revision in March,” the agency interlocutor said.

Citing Natalia Klak, he also added that bus and trolleybus fare may be raised to 20 rubles.

“They are already planning to introduce it. There is no resolution yet, as far as I understand, but it may soon appear. We decided to act in advance, to have more chance of success. Plus, we are going to raise the issue of suburban transport. Friday buses have been resumed, but there are still some problems left,” Sergei Padalkin noted.

In turn, the head of the rate regulation and energy efficiency of the Penza region Natalia Klak told PenzaNews agency that fare change issues will be touched upon during the press conference with the participation of carriers and representatives of the mayor's office on Tuesday, May 12.

“Not yet [there is no document]. The calculations have arrived. We are analyzing. In process [...] So far, for approval, it [the rate] is planned regarding large buses – the figure in process is 20 rubles 2 kopecks. [...] It is too early to tell, no specified date yet,” she said.