Riko questions Arkhangelsk deputy's hype-driven criticism

Arkhangelsk City Duma deputy Vladislav Virivsky publicly stated that transport company Riko underfunds bus repairs by up to 15 million rubles (approximately $167,000 at current rates) monthly. The carrier denied this information. The story continued: Riko addressed the deputy on its social media, accusing him of self-promotion.

In his remarks, Virivsky referred to the words of a contractor who handles bus repairs. He did not disclose the name of the firm.

TC Riko published an official response from the director of LLC DC «Sever» stating that the contractor had not received any requests from deputy Virivsky and had not provided him with any documents.

— The question for deputy Vladislav Virivsky that interests many: «Did you do this for hype?» If not, then why has the contractor, whose words you cite in your video, officially denied any contact with you, and why did you not contact TC Riko company, — the carrier publicly addressed the deputy.

Virivsky claimed that out of the necessary 30-35 million rubles (approximately $330,000 to $390,000) monthly for repairs, Riko allocates only 20 million. The carrier asked the deputy how he calculated this amount without access to information about the enterprise«s economic activities. The carrier also inquired whether Virivsky knows which bus brands require repairs, why this happens, and if there is a systematic failure.

— We consider Vladislav Virivsky«s statements unacceptable; using his official position, he misleads citizens by spreading videos with unreliable information, all for the sake of publicity, in an attempt to score political points, — stated Riko.

The carrier explained that it has a contract for bus repairs with a fixed cost. If the repair costs exceed that, they are paid separately. Regularly, issues with the gearboxes of MAZ brand buses have to be addressed.

— As of January 19, there are 6 buses in long-term repair (more than 2 days), with reserve buses running on the routes instead. But this is thanks to the technicians, mechanics, and fitters, and not at all due to deputy Vladislav Virivsky«s videos. This person has done absolutely NOTHING to improve the quality of transport services; the company has not conducted any joint working groups with Mr. Virivsky, — stated Riko.

In December 2025, Riko expanded its fleet with 20 «Lotos» buses from 2024. They replaced MAZ equipment.

— Separately, we note that after graduating from university in 2023, Virivsky did not immediately go to Arkhangelsk, but instead headed the «New People» party in Smolensk with the loud and bold slogan «Let»s make this city the best on earth«, but then hastily after the elections became the head of the »New People« party in Arkhangelsk, — said Riko.

Earlier, Dmitry Morev named the three main problems of the transport reform in Arkhangelsk.

In December 2025, Alexander Tsybulsky acknowledged that the quality of transport has recently deteriorated and told how the problem is being solved.

Since December 5, the fare on public transport in Arkhangelsk and Severodvinsk has increased to 48 rubles (about $0.53).