VIDEO // Modern transport network launched in Ungheni city of Moldova

The Ungheni municipality today officially inaugurated the new urban public transport network, in the presence of Mayor Vitalie Vrabie, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea. The event marks a major step in modernizing urban mobility through the introduction of a new bus fleet, the full implementation of an electronic ticketing system and the reorganization of routes based on technical measurements carried out on site.

Eighteen new vehicles and four routes covering the entire city

The new fleet consists of 18 transport units that will run on four urban routes, ensuring full coverage of the municipality. The implementation of the project was made possible thanks to funding of 15 million lei provided through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, via the Regional Development Agency Centre, supplemented by the contribution of the local budget.

Mayor Vitalie Vrabie underlined the complexity of the process.

“This is a project that has been discussed for many years. In just a few months, after getting all the necessary approvals, we managed to put it into practice. It is a complicated undertaking, but a big step forward for each of us, because it changes how transport works in the city,” the mayor of Ungheni said.

Vrabie said that management of the service was delegated to the Municipal Enterprise, which ensured the organization of routes, the hiring of staff and the infrastructure needed for operations.

National first: fully electronic, cashless ticketing

A defining element of the project is the full implementation of the e-ticketing system. Passengers have five payment options, all digital, completely eliminating the use of cash on buses.

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu personally tested the system

“It’s very simple and easy. We no longer walk around with coins or lei, everything is digital. The most important thing is that this system eliminates corruption. There is no cash, everything is transparent and goes directly into the company’s budget,” the speaker emphasized.

The official praised the speed of implementation.

“This is not just about getting funding. It is a project carried out from start to finish, thoughtfully, with measurements, with well-planned routes. Ungheni can become a school for other mayors in the country,” Igor Grosu noted.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea added: “In three months, you managed to turn the buses brought to the city into a functional, digitalized system, without cash and without corruption. Every leu paid by citizens is for citizens – for maintenance, salaries, fuel and comfort.”

In the first days of operation, approximately 150,000 payments were registered, a sign of the high level of use and acceptance.

Safety, punctuality, and European standards

By eliminating cash and reorganizing the boarding flow, the authorities aim to ensure strict adherence to the timetable, enhance traffic safety, reduce dwell times at stops and make revenues’ management more efficient.

The Municipal Enterprise has already hired 36 drivers and technical staff. Dedicated spaces have been set up, as well as infrastructure for vehicle parking, a washing facility, and daily cleaning services.

Mayor Vitalie Vrabie issued an appeal to citizens: “We must understand that this asset belongs to us. The way we preserve it is the way we will have it. We want transport that is punctual, clean, and safe.”

Call to use public transport

Officials encouraged residents to choose public transport over private cars.

“Leave the car at home and take public transport. It is more economical, more environmentally friendly, and better for the city,” urged Vladimir Bolea.

Igor Grosu also said: “The resources we bring with great effort are transformed here into beautiful and practical things for people. Congratulations, Ungheni! As usual, you are the first.”

Chain investments: next comes the agri-food market

The event also included the announcement of the opening of the construction site for a modern agri-food market, financed with 15 million lei through ADR Centre. The project will be implemented in 6–8 months and will serve the entire region, offering modern conditions for local producers and traders.

In total, the municipality is implementing more than 20 projects, with investments equivalent to the city’s annual budget.

A model of institutional cooperation

The launch of the new public transport network shows close cooperation between local and central authorities. Officials emphasized that the project is the result of joint work – Government, Parliament, ministries, ADR Centre, Ungheni Municipal Council, and technical partners.

By launching digitalized public transport and starting construction of the agri-food market, Ungheni consolidates its status as a pioneer city in modernizing local public services. The pace of investment and institutional cooperation position the municipality as a model of good practice at the national level.