Ungheni residents will travel with 18 modern minibuses and buses
More than 30,000 residents of Ungheni and nearby areas can travel using modern buses and minibuses that support electronic payments and real-time route tracking. The transport network consists of 14 minibuses with 30-seat capacity and four buses with 60-seat capacity, offering four different routes. Buses operate with service intervals of five to seven minutes, and the daily schedule runs from 06:00 to 23:30.
The official launch ceremony for the new urban public transport network was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu, and Mayor of Ungheni Vitalie Vrabie, along with beneficiaries of the new vehicles.
For the first time, the transport units will operate using an electronic toll system, as stated by Mayor Vitalie Vrabie.
"We are likely the first to implement a public transport system that fully utilizes electronic ticketing. There are five convenient payment options available, and it requires only a little effort to transition away from cash and driver-issued tickets. Our goal is to ensure high-quality transport that adheres to the scheduled times. Drivers will not handle cash or give change to anyone," stated Vrabie.
"Perhaps most importantly, for the first time, payments will be made electronically. We have tested this service, and it has operated flawlessly, which means there will be no need for cash or complications. This system is completely straightforward, and people will receive assistance in adapting to this practice. Additionally, the necessary infrastructure for bus operations has been established, including parking spaces, maintenance facilities, laundry services, and proper staff conditions. Providing a good service involves not only new vehicles but also attention to their daily operation," added Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
"I want to emphasize that the new urban transport system features electronic ticketing. Ungheni is effectively the first city in the country to implement exclusively electronic payment, executed properly. Ungheni serves as a model city, gradually progressing toward true European standards. Furthermore, in the next two years, the French Park—one of the most significant green spaces in the municipality—will undergo complete reconstruction. With contributions from the government, Ungheni City Hall, and the European Union, the park will see redeveloped alleys, new urban furniture, sports and multifunctional fields, and walking paths will be created," informed Igor Grosu, President of Parliament.
Citizens can choose from several payment methods for their trips, including a rechargeable transport card, a mobile application, the eungheni-transport.md portal, bank cards, or SMS to 7007.
The total value of the project is approximately 24 million lei, including contributions from the National Fund for Regional and Local Development and local authorities.
