Nail Magdeev noted that Naberezhnye Chelny has an extensive public transport network: today, 217 buses are operated in the fleet. The issue of updating the bus fleet has been completely resolved – the task of purchasing and organizing passenger transportation by buses has been completed. However, issues related to the operation of trams remain relevant.
Special attention is paid to the condition of the tram fleet. Of the 100 trams operating in Naberezhnye Chelny, 66 have been in service for 39 years. According to GOST standards, the additional service life of rolling stock is 16 years, but the real wear and tear of the equipment affects the quality of services for passengers.
– Figures and facts are stubborn things, – the mayor emphasized. – With the support of the leadership of the Republic of Tatarstan and personally Rustam Minnikhanov, we are negotiating with the Minsk plant "Belkommunmash" on the supply of modern tram cars.
In Tatarstan, tram routes operate in three cities – Kazan, Naberezhnye Chelny, and Nizhnekamsk. Financing the renewal of the fleet will require significant resources: while one bus costs 18 million rubles, the cost of one tram car reaches 100 million rubles. Nevertheless, the tram remains the most economical, eco-friendly, and fast mode of urban electric transport – ahead of the bus, trolleybus, and electric bus in key indicators. The tram in Naberezhnye Chelny must not just be preserved, but also developed, Nail Magdeev stated:
"This includes the rolling stock itself, the track infrastructure, and the electrical infrastructure. Our trams are quite dilapidated. I reported this in my speech at the board meeting of the Ministry of Transport and Road Facilities of the Republic of Tatarstan. The leadership of the republic paid attention to this. We hope that we have been heard and that we will be supported in this matter: the 548 thousand residents of Naberezhnye Chelny must have quality public transport."
Negotiations with Belarusian partners are ongoing. The parties are ready for further interaction regarding technological support, personnel training, and adapting "Belkommunmash" products to the operating conditions in Tatarstan.