As “Kommersant” found out, river passenger carriers in Moscow and St. Petersburg asked the authorities to allow them to start working, now they can not only carry clients, but also to prepare the court for the season. In the industry associations believe that transport people outdoors to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. By 14 June the losses of companies in Moscow and Saint Petersburg can reach 2 billion rubles of the Moscow Association of passenger fleet shipowners (MASPF) asked mayor Sergei Sobyanin to resolve from June 15 to the carriage of passengers inland water transport within the capital. The appeal was directed to the head of the Association Kirill Evdokimov on may 28 (copy of the letter is “b”). It noted that passenger river ships have an open upper deck, allowing to carry passengers in the open air, which together with the timely processing of disinfectants and the minimum contact of passengers with the crew reduces the risk of spreading viruses on riverboats to a minimum. In a press-service of the city hall on request “b” did not answer.Another problem is that by decree of the mayor of Moscow of 10 April, the shipping company can not only carry passengers, but to function. Meanwhile, companies need to prepare the fleet for use. As explained “Kommersant” Kirill Evdokimov, in preparation for the opening of navigation, the company has caused the crews that are now on the courts— every week or two they should be changed, while the majority of people from other cities and make crossing impossible, as enterprises are in the list of those whose activities are suspended. The Rosmorrechflot and the service of the captain of the pool issued an order correcting this anomaly, and prohibiting the movement of ships with passengers, said Kirill Evdokimov. But you need to understand in advance when the shipping company will be able to carry passengers. “While we expect the yield on 15 June, but guess it is very difficult, there is no logic in the actions of Moscow authorities,”— said the head of MOSPF. Part of the fleet of floating restaurants, and their work is unclear, says Mr. Evdokimov, perhaps they would be allowed to go only as pleasure vessels without providing nutrition.The total losses of the passenger shipping companies in Moscow on June 14 will be about 840 million rubles, concludes Mr. Evdokimov.As told “Kommersant” the President of the Association of owners of passenger courts of St.-Petersburg (AVPS) Vladimir Rodionov, St. Petersburg shipping company was faced with similar problems. Initially the restrictions were introduced until may 31, and at the meeting of the working group of operational staff on transport in St. Petersburg at the end of the month, all participants supported the proposal for their withdrawal from 1 June, says the Lordone Rodionov. However, by decision of the Governor of the passenger navigation opened, he adds. Based on data from previous years, by 14 June the losses of carriers in St. Petersburg can be 0.8–1 billion rubles, said Vladimir Rodionov. Last year it was transported about 3.5 million people, 30% of passengers are foreigners, which this year will not be exact. Is to rely on local residents, Muscovites and tourists from the regions, he says. In addition, the company expects that they will not have required to seat the passengers staggered, because to carry people on the Mets with downloading 50% of direct losses, says the President of AITS.Chairman of the Union of passengers Kirill Yankov recalls that in some regions, there are no alternative routes where waterways are the only way to get to the destination, the company continues to operate. Mr. Yankov considers absolutely normal and safe for passengers are walking the opening lines. Maybe companies will have to seat people outside on the deck, keeping some distance between them, to work with incomplete capacity, which threatens to increase the cost of the ticket, he says, but considering that people are tired of sitting at home, the demand for a walking-tour trip on the water will still be.Anastasia Vedeneeva
