September 12, 2014. The introduction of new transport fare discount schemes for residents on social benefits packages will not affect the regular cost of a public transport ride for the rest of the passengers, Yekaterinburg Council’s press service refers to Chairman of Transport, Traffic, and Road Network Development Committee Alexei Kurlykov as saying.

Kurlykov conducted a Q&A session where local residents could ask their questions over the phone; the questions were related to how they could vote for the discount scheme they like.

Yekaterinburg residents also suggested that the discount schemes should only be available to those people on social benefits packages who actually use public transport.

A survey is now being conducted in Yekaterinburg involving residents on social benefits packages. So far, approximately 70% of those who called the hotline voted for Scheme 1 (10 rides for 170 RUR, 25 rides for 380 RUR, and an unlimited number of rides for 750 RUR a month).

Under 8% of Yekaterinburg residents voted for Scheme 2 (1 ride for 21 RUR and an unlimited number of rides for 750 RUR a month).

The rest of respondents voted for Scheme 3: 16 RUR for any one ride and no unlimited-number-of-rides option.