Ferries of Crimea’s state companies set highest rates for Kerch Strait ferry service, RF Transport Minister says
Auditing of Unified Transport Directorate (responsible for functioning of Kerch-Kavkaz ferry service) with respect to tariff setting is a routine process, RF Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov has told journalists today. IAA PortNews reporter says Maxim Sokolov does not understand enhanced activity of Crimea Government representatives as well as their comments in this respect.
According to media referring to Sergey Aksyonov, Prime Minister of Crimea, and Anatoly Tsurkin, Transport Minister of the Republic, Crimea Department of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service launch a probe into Unified Transport Directorate in respect of overpricing of cargo and passenger transportation.
Maxim Sokolov reminded that 7 ferries operate at the Kerch service with 4 more vessels are deployed from port Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Territory) and other ports for freight transportation to Crimea.
“UTD regulates rates for only two ferries, - RF Transport Minister says. – Automobile/passenger transportation rates for the ferries owned by state companies of Crimea are almost three times higher.”
According to RF Ministry of Transport, Kerch ferry link services almost 2.7 mln passengers in 2014, almost 3 times as much as in 2013.
“I think that Crimean authorities should apply more professional approach and deeper insight into these problems, visit the ferry service with a purpose of solving problems rather than for getting acquainted with its operation,” Maxim Sokolov added.
