From October 1, night bus services will be resumed
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved the proposal by the State Road Transport Service under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies to resume night bus services.
This decision was adopted in view of the implementation of repair and restoration work in the road infrastructure over the past 10 years, carrying out major and current repairs on trunk highways at a fast pace, and up-to-date construction of North-South and East-West corridors. In addition, the time restrictions for passengers arriving in the capital from regions in connection with the holding of major international events in the country, and the renewal of the motor vehicle fleet with more modern, comfortable buses (intercity transportation) were taken as a basis. Also, passenger appeals for restoration of night bus services were taken into account in order to meet public demand in long-distance passenger transportation at night and prevent illegal passenger traffic.
According to the decision, the State Road Transport Service under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies gave instructions to the Baku International Bus Station Complex to follow all safety rules, take into account all risks during the organization of night bus services, and relevant agreements have been signed. From October 1, night buses on the routes Baku-Ganja-Baku, Baku-Red Bridge-Baku, Baku-Mingachevir-Baku and Baku-Tartar-Baku will be resumed in test mode, and large-sized, modern, comfortable Neoplan buses of the German company MAN will be in service.
In order to comply with safety rules during night routes, traffic on narrow lane roads will not be allowed, especially on roads with mountainous terrain. An instruction was also given on mandatory allocation of two bus drivers for long-distance routes.
It should be noted that the test mode will continue throughout the autumn and winter months. If need be, new carriers will be involved in the process from next year.
It is worth reminding that from May 6, 2010, the bus route time table for departing from the Baku International and Intercity Bus Station (currently the Baku International Bus Complex) in the intercity direction was changed. According to the instruction, movement of buses in the direction of Baku and back at night was prohibited. It is to be noted that the increase in number of casualties and injuries due to numerous traffic accidents on the country’s roads, poor status of main highways, danger of passenger transportation by old vehicles – all these facts gave a serious reason for caution.
