Two more modern Volvo buses, purchased in Switzerland with funds allocated by Hans and Sebille Strak-Zimmermann, with the help of a German philanthropist, Markus Wassmeier, arrived to Trostyanets city. They covered almost 3,000 kilometers under their own power. The buses were driven by experienced Trostyanets’ drivers Mykola Savchenko and Andriy Kopyl, and the convoy was led by the mayor Yuriy Bova, who personally traveled to distant Switzerland to select and deliver new transport to the community. The journey home took five long days.
The transport is currently undergoing the necessary registration, after which the buses will enter the routes of Trostyanets city hromada.
The new buses are in good technical condition, have spacious interiors and comfortable seats. It is especially important that the transport is adapted for people with disabilities and parents with strollers. The buses are equipped with special ramps and mounts for the safe transportation of strollers.
Another advantage is that the buses run on methane gas, which makes them environmentally friendly and economical. As noted by the mayor Yuriy Bova, the use of such transport already allows the community to significantly save on fuel – up to 15 thousand hryvnias per month per bus. Thanks to this, it is possible to direct free funds to the development and maintenance of the fleet, as well as to keep the cost of transportation affordable for our residents – 15 hryvnias. It should be noted that about 8 thousand beneficiaries, including pensioners, people with disabilities, veterans, Chernobyl survivors and other citizens – use transport for free, paid for by the city budget.
“These buses will run not only in the city, but also in the villages of the community, because due to the security situation, there is currently no suburban railway connection. It is important for the villagers to be able to get to Trostyanets for work, to the hospital or on business, – noted Yuriy Bova, – in addition, Trostyanets City Council has submitted an application to the Sumy Regional State Administration for approval of the new Trostyanets-Okhtyrka-Sumy route, which in the future will also be served by these comfortable buses. We are also negotiating the purchase of two more such buses by philanthropists for Trostyanets, because they have proven themselves to be reliable and economical vehicles!“
During the trip, Trostyanets’ delegation also visited the partner city of Montabaur in Germany. There, it was agreed to transfer two more solar power plants with a capacity of 30 kW each. They will be installed on the roofs of Lyceum No. 2 and the premises of the Trostyanets Primary Health Care Center. After installation, these institutions will become more energy-independent and will be able to operate more stably in conditions of possible power outages, and in the summer – save electricity thanks to the sun.
Foreign partners from the city of Montabaur also donated furniture for the community’s municipal pharmacy – special cabinets for convenient and compact storage of medicines. This furniture was brought in the cabins of buses, and the solar power plants will arrive in Trostyanets later.
On behalf of the city’s residents, Mayor Yuriy Bova expresses gratitude to all partners and benefactors who joined this important cause: Hans and Sebille Strack-Zimmermann, Markus Wassmeyer, USB Ukraine Schweiz Bern organization, in particular Olena Krylova and Olena Tikhonenko – for their help in solving organizational issues, as well as friends from the partner City of Montabaur.
Earlier this year Trostyanets had already received six buses from Switzerland, which successfully operate on routes and are in demand among residents due to their comfort and convenience. Now there will be more of these buses, and transportation will become comfortable and convenient for more people!
