High-speed trams, double-deckers and electric buses soon to drive on Minsk streets High-speed trams, double-deckers and electric buses soon to drive on Minsk streets

By Veniamin Mikhalev

High-speed trams, double-deckers and electric buses soon to drive on Minsk streets

A recent poll conducted among Minskers assesses the perceived quality of public transport services, helping inform future development. High-speed trams find favour with 29.1 percent of respondents, while double-deckers appeal to 17.7 percent and electric buses to 13.9 percent. Over 20 percent would appreciate the promotion of cycling.

Double-deckers have been successfully tested in Minsk, along excursion routes, explains Minsktrans. The company believes that it’s now time to apply the experience to public transport, to reduce crowding on buses. Minsk Automobile Works is quite able to produce such buses, using a triple-axis.

Eco-buses would be quieter than current diesel vehicles and more environmentally friendly, with Belkommunmash-produced buses being equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric engine. This would ensure 30 percent less fuel consumption and generate fewer harmful emissions.

The metro remains the most popular means of transport among Minskers, followed by buses and trolley buses. Taxi-buses, trams and taxis are next in line, while just 1 percent prefer to walk and 0.2 percent choose to cycle.

Over 80 percent of Minskers use city transport to commute between work and home, with over half using public transport to shop. Most spend no more than 45 minutes travelling to work, although about 30 percent take longer. According to the poll, 25 percent of city residents do not need to change transport to reach their destination: over 30 percent change once and 20 percent change twice.