Residents of the city had high hopes for changes in the management of the economy of the city of one million people. And their expectations seem to be coming true. Let's consider only one aspect – the work of urban public transport.
As the head of the Business Life Center agency Andrey Kuznetsov noted, it is too early to talk about a final change in the structure of the municipality. But it is already clear that Maxim Kudryavtsev has begun to implement the approaches announced before the elections.
Photo: Novosibirsk City Hall Press Service
"More funds have been allocated for labor and equipment for street cleaning. More resources are allocated to district administrations. Control over current projects for the repair of roads and bridges, and the improvement of public spaces has been strengthened. The new mayor has stepped up the public transport renewal program. In particular, I have agreed with the regional authorities on financing new trains for the metro," Andrey Kuznetsov said.
From the very first days, Maxim Kudryavtsev immersed himself in solving the problem of the state of urban roads. The volume of necessary work was determined, and the task was to increase the funds allocated for these purposes. At the same time, the head of the city personally controls the repair. So, for example, he visited Dachnaya Street in the Zaeltsovsky district, where he examined a site that contractors had already entered. By the way, the latter promised to make the Cottage a month ahead of schedule without loss of quality. And just last week, the mayor inspected Mira Street in the Kirovsky district. An integrated approach is used at both sites. That is, not only the roadbed is being restored, but also sidewalks and lawns. And on Mira Street, the existing tram tracks are also being repaired. By the way, during the repair, which should be completed before the beginning of September, a new trolleybus route No. 15 "Marx Square – Severo-Chemskoy residential area" has been launched.
Photo: Novosibirsk City Hall Press Service
Andrey Kuznetsov also believes that the head of the city has once again confirmed that he is in the team of the governor of the Novosibirsk region Andrey Travnikov. Maxim Kudryavtsev, without sudden movements, seeks to allocate increases from the regional budget. As for updating the mayor's team, he boldly appoints those who, in his opinion, are suitable for the position and will be able to implement the tasks set.
"A team of young and obviously ambitious second- and third-tier managers from regional structures has entered the city government. Why ambitious? It is difficult to imagine what else they could be motivated to go to the mayor's office and district administrations, if not by the prospects for further growth," Andrey Kuznetsov stressed.
Governor Andrey Travnikov also supported the work of the new mayor of Novosibirsk in solving issues of public transport functioning. In particular, the head of the region confirmed the purchase of 80 more modern trolleybuses by the end of 2024.
Photo: Novosibirsk City Hall Press Service
"This year's plans, in addition to updating the trolleybus fleet, include the modernization of 20 trams and further purchase of new buses. The equipment is equipped with modern systems and is as comfortable as possible for passengers. In addition, funds have been contributed to the regional budget for the purchase of new subway cars. At the staff meeting, he instructed the Novosibirsk City Hall to prepare documents for conducting competitive procedures. The first train for five wagons should be purchased already in 2025 with subsequent annual deliveries so that the complete renovation of the wagons is completed by 2030," Andrei Travnikov wrote in his official Telegram channel.
Alexander Stefanov, an expert at the ONF Bureau of Investigation, noted that 100 days is a short time. According to the expert, the work on problematic issues should be reformatted to achieve specific goals.
"Unfortunately, most of the problems have not yet been resolved, including the financial component of the transition to the contract. We are seriously lagging behind the legal requirements that have been established. In terms of renovation, the Novosibirsk Region has made serious progress within the framework of the national project. The region with federal funding receives quite serious funds. Serious costs are required for the infrastructure for urban public transport to ensure its operation," explained Alexander Stefanov.
Photo: Novosibirsk City Hall Press Service
Another point that the expert noted was the optimization of the route network. Fixed-route taxis are being reduced. But this is not always justified. Since this type of transport is also in demand by Novosibirsk residents. According to him, minibuses need to be replaced with more spacious rolling stock.
It is worth noting that at the first stage, Novosibirsk Mayor Maxim Kudryavtsev was able to simultaneously solve economic problems and not succumb to provocations.
But next year, the popularity of Maxim Kudryavtsev will determine what role the mayor of Novosibirsk will play in the campaign for elections to the Legislative Assembly and the City Council.
