Riverine Carrier Dispute Settlement: Has an Agreement Been Reached?
In a recent development, ferry service provider Lenavodservice has matched its fare with a newcomer, Sulus, offering a one-way trip for 500 rubles per person. This move comes after Lenavodservice lowered its fare to 300 rubles in an attempt to create difficulties for Sulus.
The price drop has been beneficial for passengers, but both ferry services are reportedly operating at a loss. The financial status of the ferry services remains unclear, with no new information provided regarding their current state.
Officials have suggested raising the fare to 700 rubles, but Sulus has expressed opposition to this proposal. It seems that no one at the meeting could force Sulus to raise its prices.
The controversy revolves around Sulus offering lower prices, causing established competitors like Lenavodservice to follow suit and lower their own prices to 300-500 rubles. Approximately 1,500 people cross the river daily, generating about 1.5 million rubles per day.
The competition between these ferry services has been the centre of attention at a recent roundtable discussion held at the Public Chamber. Despite the lack of state subsidies for these ferry services, officials have urged both Lenavodservice and Sulus to cooperate and maintain fair competition.
In an unexpected turn of events, navigators will receive awards at the end of the season, a practice not seen in over 20 years. However, no new information about the budget allocation for subsidies was provided.
It is essential to note that the state is not providing subsidies for the ferry services, which primarily serve as transport across the Lena River, especially before the completion of significant railway or bridge infrastructure. The reasons for the lack of subsidies and the current fare prices on this route require further investigation and consultation with local Yakutsk regional transport authorities or recent news sources directly related to river transport services in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia).
- The intense competition in the public-transit industry, specifically the Lena River ferry services, has prompted a lowering of prices in the transportation sector, affecting both Lenavodservice and Sulus.
- In the business world of finance, Lenavodservice and Sulus are operating at a loss due to reduced fares, yet they continue to strive to maintain a competitive edge in the transportation sector.
- Despite no state subsidies provided, officials in the Transportation industry have urged Lenavodservice and Sulus to cooperate and maintain fair competition for the benefit of the commuting public.
