Nizhnekamsk clarifies discount passes on disputed M-12

The discounted travel system will indeed cover the M-12 section and the «golden bridge» near Nizhnekamsk, which had angered local residents. The press service of Nizhnekamsk District clarified the situation.

Initially, a post by district head Radmir Belyaev mentioned the «Nizhnekamsk — Begishevo Airport» toll gate. Despite its name, it covers a larger section. Therefore, the discount system will apply to the exit onto M-7 towards Kazan and in the opposite direction on the M-12 section from Begishevo Airport to the exit onto M-7 near the village of Kostenevo. The new bridge is also included in the discount system; before the change, a trip across it cost 278 rubles ($3 at current rates). Now the minimum price with a pass will be 100 rubles ($1).

«The publication that confused residents was about the name of the «Nizhnekamsk — Begishevo Airport» toll gate. To avoid misunderstandings, edits were made to the post. Travel to Begishevo Airport via the Sobolekovskaya highway was and remains free,» the press service added.

Recall that yesterday, 20 July, Belyaev announced that after negotiations with the federal center, Nizhnekamsk decided to introduce passes for 10, 30, or 60 trips on the disputed M-12 section. Now each trip will cost 100-195 rubles ($1-$2). In addition, at the MFC (Multifunctional Center) it will be possible to buy a transponder at half price.

Residents were outraged that discounts were introduced on a different section with the bridge than the one they had requested. But, as it turned out, it is indeed that part of the highway — the confusion arose due to the name.

The problem was that the gates of the barrier-free «Free Flow» (Svobodny Potok) system were located too far apart. Drivers who drove only 18 km had to pay for 80 km. They united into the «Golden Bridge» movement and collected signatures to draw authorities« attention to the problem.