Novokuznetsk will not expel troubled bus operator PiterAvto
Authorities were asked how much it would cost the budget to take all routes from private firms, but they have not given a clear answer.
Apr 25, 2026 0
During cold weather, residents may wait up to an hour for their bus.
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Novokuznetsk«s primary carrier, PiterAvto, will continue to operate in the city despite numerous complaints from residents, violations, and breakdowns. The administration is not currently considering terminating all contracts with it, the press service of NGS42.RU confirmed on Wednesday, February 4, in response to a request.
In its response, the city administration does not clearly explain why it is difficult to replace one public transport operator with another. Officials only express concern that the new carrier«s services might be more expensive. However, they also note that the price might remain unchanged.
It is clarified that the budget covers the carrier«s operations, not the purchase of vehicles. The company must provide the buses itself.
If the city government does decide to enter into new or additional contracts, it will hold auctions. Specialists will calculate the maximum cost in tenders based on a methodology from the Ministry of Transport of Russia.
During the January frosts, half of Novokuznetsk«s buses did not run. Governor Ilya Seredyuk said during a live broadcast that the city is considering making all routes municipal rather than private, including through independent vehicle purchases.
Authorities in Kuzbass and Novokuznetsk have repeatedly threatened to terminate contracts with PiterAvto, but despite a daily stream of complaints, this has not happened. Discontent over frequent route cancellations, delays, and bus breakdowns has persisted in the city since 2019, when the company won all tenders through 2030. For its work, the firm—whose director became a defendant in a criminal case—will receive about 20 billion rubles ($222 million at current rates).
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