MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/.The capacity of Moscow public transport is 39 million rides per day, which is approximately equal to the population of an average European country, Deputy Moscow mayor Maxim Liskutov, who supervises public transport, told a news conference held at TASS on Monday.
"A system of public transport which exists in Moscow now is one the most powerful and modern transport systems in the world. The overall public transport capacity is 39 million rides per day. Throughout 24 hours Moscow public transport can ensure the transportation of the whole population of Belgium, Austria or Switzerland," Liksutov told journalists. "Fifteen million people have been using public transport in Moscow daily," he said.
"At present, the number of citizens who move in the city in their own cars is 39% against 61% who use public transport. By the year 2020 the number of people who will move in the city, using public transport, which will become more comfortable and safe to use, will grow by ten percent," the Moscow minister said, adding that it would be the population's own choice with no pressure put on any of them. "The share of citizens who pay public transport fares has grown by 20% since 2012 when the number of passengers, who used public transport, had been declining. We have managed to reverse the situation," the Moscow minister said.
"By the year 2020 the average time en route from remote areas to the city center will be no more than 50 minutes; the passengers will feel comfortable in new transport vehicles adjusted for the transportation of disabled people as well," the minister said. At present, 100% of the Moscow bus service is adjusted for the transportation of disabled people, he said.