In the third reading, the State Duma adopted amendments to the Charter of Motor Transport and Urban land electric Transport, which, in particular, prohibit the forced disembarkation from public transport of children under the age of sixteen who travel unaccompanied by adults.
Alfiya Kogogina, deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, Innovative Development and Entrepreneurship, member of the UNITED RUSSIA faction, commented on the novel: "It is not uncommon for children to find themselves alone on the road and walking in bad weather, in the dark, without the opportunity to contact adults – it's not far from trouble here. Unfortunately, I have also received such alarming reports about hard-hearted public transport drivers from my district. With the bill adopted today, we strive to eliminate such situations and ensure the safety of children."
The draft federal law prohibits the forced disembarkation of a stowaway, who is a minor under the age of 16, following an unaccompanied adult.
The document regulates the transportation of passengers and luggage by buses, trams, trolleybuses, cars and trucks. At the same time, it is important that the new rules will not apply in the case of stowaway travel for adults with children — if they refuse to pay for the fare, they must get off at the nearest stop together.