The increase in fuel prices and social insurance contributions by 25–30% has led in recent days to a significant reduction in interurban transport services in Berat. At the city’s only terminal, in Kombinat, buses on routes such as Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Kuçovë, etc., wait for passengers, but many of them do not depart due to the lack of travelers.
This situation, which drivers say is worsening, has forced them to reduce the number of vehicles in operation. The number of buses on the Berat–Tirana route has decreased by 30%, while on the Berat–Kuçovë route it has dropped by 40%. The same situation is seen on rural routes as well, where only 3 vans remain on the route to Lumas out of the previous 7.
“8+1 vans and unlicensed vehicles take our passengers at the stations. Buses leave empty and we cannot cover the costs — we are heading toward bankruptcy,” said one citizen.
Drivers of interurban routes say they are facing serious financial difficulties. Even route owners admit that the rise in fuel prices and insurance costs has forced them to take vehicles out of service, as they cannot afford wages and expenses. They emphasize that the situation is worsened by the operation of illegal vehicles and unlicensed taxis, which take passengers away and force buses to depart with very few travelers.
“The increase in insurance costs and illegal competition have pushed us toward bankruptcy. We are keeping the routes running with difficulty and paying out of our own pockets,” said another driver.
Interurban transport companies are calling on the state for fuel reimbursement and are asking the municipality to take action against illegal routes operating outside the law.
The post Rising Costs Reduce Interurban Transport in Berat, Bus Drivers Head Toward Bankruptcy appeared first on Euronews Albania.
