Ministry of Education and Youth of Republic of Moldova LTIM Lyceum

Topic: System of Transportation in Moldova

Chiinau 2009

Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Transportation System 3. Urban Transport 4. Railway Transport 5. Airport Transport 6. Water Transports 7. Bibliography

1. Introduction
Moldova is a landlocked country - with only an imprecisely defined 500 to 900 meter frontage on the Danube situated between Romania and Ukraine. Moldova is a "gateway" between the former Soviet Union countries and the West: trade-wise, language-wise, and culturally. Its transport and telecommunication sectors can (and should) be considered a "Hub" for the region: once Romania joins the European Union (EU), Moldova will become increasingly important as a border between the EU and non-EU Eastern Europe. The Pan-European Corridor IX (Moscow-KievBucharest) crosses Moldova from East to West, traversing the capital city Chisinau. Moldova is a net importer of transport services. The countrys economy relies heavily on trade, which has accounted for over 95% of GDP in the most recent years. Moldova lies in the center of Europe where ways from Europe to Near East intercross. So, the territory of Moldova is often used for through shipments. Thats why transport is an important part of national economics of the Republic.

2. Transportation System
By Train By Plane By Boat

By Bus, Trolleybus(urban)

3. Urban Transport
Urban transport is of particular importance in the capital city of Chisinau, which accounts for almost 1/3 of the countrys population including the suburbs - and 2/3 of the Governments tax revenue. Public transportation continues to be a drain on the municipal budget. Reforms in the sector have been long over-due, including restructuring/downsizing and the financial adjustment of the public transport company, phasing out of all fare privileges, and establishing ways to involve the private sector in the provision of urban public transport services. Buses, trolleybuses and minibuses form the public transport of Chisinau town. Single trip fares for buses are: 0,10 USD Single trip fares for trolleybuses are: 0,06 USD Single trip fares for minibuses are: 0,15 USD The transportation fare is paid directly to the conductors or to the driver. Minibuses are considered the most convenient mean of transport as it covers the entire city, performs courses with a bigger frequency and circulates till midnight, others till 1 a.m.

There are plenty of taxi companies in Chisinau: 1407, 1405, 1406, 1408, 1471, 1430. Transport by car You should pay attention to the following particularities in case you decide to travel by car: Private vehicles should have insurance. The Green Card system, that contains the distinctive mark MD, is accepted on the territory of Moldova. It is desirable that the car driver possesses an international driving license, issued according to the International Convention of the Road Traffic from 1968. At the frontier points function petrol stations.

4. Railway transport
Railway service exists in Moldova more than 140 years. The first railroad connected station Razdelinaya (Ukraine) with Kuchurgan. It was built in 1865. The first train came to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, in 1871. At the end of 19th century the overall length of railroads in Bessarabia accounted 857 km. Railway service is used for transportation of mineral building materials, metals, crops, chemical fertilizers, wood and lots more. Total length: 1,138 km (707 mi) Broad gauge: 1,124 km (698 mi) of 1,520 mm (4 ft 11+56 in) gauge (2005) The entire length of the Moldovan railway network is single track and not electrified. Much of the railroad infrastructure is still in a poor state, all of the rolling stock being inherited from the former Soviet Union. Average commercial speed for passenger trains is 3540 km/h (22-25 mph) (including stops).

5. Airport transport
Airline service was established in Moldova in September 1944. Chisinau is aviation center in Moldova. The first regular flights from Chisinau to Moscow, Kiev and Odessa appeared in 1947. Airport was built here in 1974. Its capacity was 400 passengers per hour. From here planes to countries of Eastern and Western Europe depart. Air transport is crucial for trade development in Moldova. The country has made good progress restructuring civil aviation. The airports are now legally separate from the national airline. The country joined the most important international organizations (e.g. European Civil Aviation Conference). The Chisinau airport terminal was renovated with a cost-effective, low-cost, no frills approach financed by EBRD and which is being repaid by a $10/head airport user charge. Due to its central location between Eastern and Western Europe, Chisinau airport could be an excellent hub for international freight forwarders such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. One airport (Chiinu International Airport) has commercial flights (approximately 20 destinations and 688.000 passengers in 2007).

6. Water Transport
Water transport exists in Moldova for long. Here are 2 navigable rivers: Dniester and Prut. Water transport is profitable as its cheaper than other modes of transport. In some picturesque places theres possibility to take trips by river transport to enjoy the view. Moldova has one small oil terminal on the Danube at Giurgiuleti (Cahul), compatible with small seagoing vessels. The harbor was opened in 2006 and occupies the entire Moldovan stretch of the river (less than 600 m/1,969 ft).