Transport strike in Chisinau: APOTA accuses regulators of protecting unauthorized bus stations
The Employers' Association of Road Transport Operators (APOTA) announced a protest in front of the National Auto Transport Agency (ANTA) headquarters for Thursday, February 12.
The demonstration, scheduled for 11:00 AM, will involve approximately 40 participants, including 30 drivers who will park their buses and minibuses at the agency’s entrance.
Allegations of institutional corruption
APOTA President Oleg Alexa accuses ANTA officials of shielding illicit transport businesses and supporting "hostile takeovers" of established routes.
The core of the dispute involves a makeshift terminal on Calea Moșilor Street, which allegedly continues to operate despite having its permits revoked for legal violations.
"We are protesting against ANTA’s failure to act," Alexa stated in the official filing, claiming the agency is protecting an illegal transport hub located near the capital’s Northern Bus Station.
The regulator's defense
ANTA officials responded by stating that the location in question was formally struck from the regulatory registry on December 16, 2025.
The agency argues that an immediate shutdown of the 30 routes operating from that terminal would have paralyzed regional mobility for thousands of citizens.
Regulators claim they granted operators a grace period to transition to authorized stations, citing ongoing court proceedings as a primary reason for the delayed enforcement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
