Kyiv: "Kyivtrans" maintains a reserve of buses in case of widespread power outages
"Kyivtrans" is preparing a reserve of buses in advance, which will replace trolleybuses and trams on the busiest routes in the event of widespread power outages. Decisions about additional routes are made quickly, depending on where the power in the contact network has disappeared. The number of buses on routes №99 and №32 has already been increased.
"Kyivtrans" has been proactively preparing a reserve of buses that, in the event of widespread power outages, will replace trolleybuses and trams on the most heavily used routes. This was announced by Timur Kostenko, head of the company's traffic organization department, during an interview on the "Apostrophe" television channel.
According to him, the "Kyivtrans" plan for power outages was developed in collaboration with the Department of Transport of the Kyiv City State Administration, and the company has a certain reserve of buses. First, areas without power are identified, and then a decision is made on whether to change the route or supply the network from another source. If it is not possible to operate electric transport, buses are used—primarily in areas where there is no alternative transport or a high passenger flow.
Decisions about additional routes are made quickly, based on where the strain in the contact network has disappeared. The number of buses has already been increased on routes №99 and №32. If the metro is temporarily suspended, bus routes are adapted to handle a larger passenger flow: lunchtime breaks are shifted, and schedules are extended to allow more transport to operate on the line simultaneously. In case of need, even drivers of electric transport can take the wheel, provided they have the necessary qualifications.
The terms for restoring electric transport service depend not on "Kyivtrans," but on the state of electricity supply in the city, according to Kostenko. In recent days, the capital has alternated between returning to stabilization schedules and experiencing sudden, unannounced power outages, making it difficult to predict which areas will be without power next. On morning of October 9, the Kyiv City Administration refuted reports of the "green" metro line being suspended, but ground transportation in certain areas of the city temporarily stopped due to a lack of power.