Residents of Krasnodar Experience Scorching Midday Heatwave
Sweating Through the Summer: Public Transport Woes in Krasnodar
The scorching heat of summer has descended upon Krasnodar, and for its residents who rely on public transport, it's a test of endurance. Minibus commuters, in particular, are feeling the brunt of the heatwave.
One frustrated minibus passenger vocalized their discomfort to a "Live Kuban" journalist, "It's like torture. The bus is packed with people, but he doesn't turn on the air conditioning, despite having it."
A quick glance reveals that some minibuses do indeed sport air conditioning systems, yet they remain inoperative. A fellow traveler explained further, "I asked the driver why he hasn't turned on the air conditioning. He laughed it off, saying that he'd have to raise the fare to 80 rubles if he did. So, we should be grateful that the windows open."
The city administration admitted that the state of air conditioning in municipal transport within the regional center is slowly improving, yet there's a long way to go. Presently, only about 40% of Krasnodar's public transport is equipped with air conditioning. While all systems in municipal transport function correctly, the situation is grimmer with private carriers.
A "Live Kuban" correspondent had the opportunity to speak with a minibus driver who provided two reasons for his decision not to turn on the air conditioning within the cabin. "First, it's costly. The intensity of the cooling system directly impacts fuel consumption, and fuel isn't cheap. Second, it's the passengers. In a 12-hour shift, I'm constantly dealing with conflicts. One person is cold, another is hot, and suddenly there's a major dispute. It even comes close to fights. I don't need that," sighed driver Andrey.
Interestingly, according to current federal legislation, the installation of air conditioning in public transportation isn't mandated for passenger transportation across Russia. Air conditioning systems are merely one of several factors considered when evaluating vehicles during competitive selections.
So, it's time to break out those fans and wait for the mercury to drop. As previously reported by "Live Kuban," a "hotline" has been established in Krasnodar to tackle the issue of air conditioning in public transport.
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In the broader context, there is no explicit federal law in the Russian Federation that mandates air conditioning in public transport vehicles nationwide. Instead, public transportation and infrastructure standards vary across regions and are determined by regional, municipal, and sector-specific regulations rather than being enforced universally. Proponents of air conditioning would argue that Krasnodar, known for its sweltering summer climate, would significantly benefit from this feature in public transport.
To address the problem, potential solutions could involve:
- Amending Federal or Regional Laws: Advocating for the introduction or amendment of federal or regional laws specifically requiring air conditioning in public transport during extreme summer temperatures.
- Allocation of Targeted Funding: Governments could provide subsidies or incentives for public transport operators to upgrade their fleets with air conditioning.
- Public Awareness and Advocacy: Encouraging local residents and civil society groups to rally for better regulation and increased investment in public transport comfort.
- Partnerships with Private Operators: Fostering public-private partnerships to modernize fleets, with air conditioning as a key improvement.
- Pilot Programs: Launching pilot programs in cities like Krasnodar to demonstrate the benefits of air-conditioned public transportation, factoring in passenger satisfaction and ridership increases.
These steps could improve passenger comfort and public health, especially in regions with hot summers, but current federal law doesn't compel operators to install air conditioning in their public transport vehicles.
References
[2] Kovalenko, A. (2021). Boschbaum.ru. Retrieved July 2, 2021, from https://boschbaum.ru/news/krasnodarskij-avtobus/.
The absence of air conditioning in public transportation vehicles becomes a pressing issue during harsh summer climates, as seen in Krasnodar. Despite fluctuations in the city's public transit network's air conditioning infrastructure, only around 40% of Krasnodar's public transport is equipped with the feature. Advocates for air conditioning suggest that such a feature would significantly benefit regions with sweltering summer climates, like Krasnodar.
