Ladutka: Students should work to pay for transport fees

Minsk municipal authorities do not plan to resume free use of public transport for students from September 1.

The chair of the Minsk city executive committee, Mikalai Ladutka, says there's no need to return free rides for students. “In the difficult economic situation last year, we took a decision to support students. The economic situation and income level have changed by now,” he explained.

According to Mikalai Ladutka, young people have plenty of opportunities to work part-time after lessons, BelTA news agency reports.

There are vacancies in service sector, hotel business, IT and construction sectors, etc. “We need to create conditions for the working youth. Student brigades should not end their work on September 1 [with the start of the academic year], but should continue their activities,” the Minsk executive committee chair said.

Cancelling free rides does not target schoolchildren, who can still enjoy free use of public transport in the Belarusian capital.

We remind that free rides were cancelled for students on July 1. However, officials promised to return the privilege on September 1.