Tirana public transport companies demand increase in bus fares

TIRANA, March 13 – Claiming difficult financial situation, the Association of Urban Transport in Tirana has called for an increase of the bus fares to 70 lek (Euro 0.5), up from lek 30 currently. In a statement, the Association claims unaffordable fuel prices and fake documents are taking the public transport in Tirana to bankruptcy.
Claiming that bus fares in neighboring Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro stand at 70 lek the Association says that alternative measures such as lifting excise tax and VAT from fuel and security measures on season tickets could be imposed. Currently, the excise on fuel stands at 37 lek/litre.
Last January, the Competition Authority launched a probe into the urban transport companies operating in Tirana after identifying signs of abuse with the trade of monthly season tickets. Preliminary investigation has shown there is indication of limited competition in the sale of general and students’ season tickets by members of the National Association of Urban Transport, offering smaller number of season tickets.
This behaviour could bring limited or distorted competition, forcing consumers to buy bus fares which are much expensive in order to use public transport in Tirana. Several urban bus lines operate in Tirana.
A decision by the municipal council and later government is needed for urban transport prices to increase, but the municipality has indicated it rejects price increases.