Eltrans Botoșani Director, Andrei TURCOMAN, at FERM 2025: “A truly developed city is one where even wealthy people use public transportation”

REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025

19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025

Thematic Panel:

The Role of Infrastructure in Economic Development

Speaker:

Andrei Turcoman – Director of Eltrans Botoșani

Topic of the Intervention:
“Modernization of Urban Public Transport and the Connection to Suceava Airport”

Andrei Turcoman, Director of the Public Transport Company of Botoșani – Eltrans, presented at the Forum a well-argued vision on the essential role of public transport in urban development and emphasized the importance of ongoing investments in Botoșani to modernize and expand mobility services.

Context of Public Transport Investments in Botoșani

“I am the Director of the Public Transport Company of the Municipality of Botoșani, and currently, we are beneficiaries of two major projects managed by the Botoșani City Hall: one through the PNRR worth 25 million euros, and one through the POR worth 3 million euros,” began Turcoman, emphasizing that these investments are not merely infrastructure projects but tailored responses to the dynamic needs of a growing city.

To contextualize the importance of these investments, he quoted a former mayor of Bogotá (Colombia).

“The level of development of a city is not measured by the number of poor people driving expensive cars, but by the number of wealthy people using public transportation.”

This perspective highlights the essential role of public transport as an indicator of real and sustainable urban progress.

Current Problems and Urban Challenges

The Director of Eltrans pointed out that “the city is a living organism that develops, grows, and changes its dynamics, and the need for urban mobility constantly evolves.” However, many municipalities in Romania have failed to keep pace with this evolution, and public transport has fallen behind, generating major “dysfunctions.”

Turcoman provided relevant data supporting the need for investments:

• By 2050, it is estimated that 70% of the global population will live in cities;

• 40% of urban pollution is caused by road traffic;

• Romania has an average of 357 cars per 1000 inhabitants, one of the highest in Europe.

These figures highlight the negative impact of road traffic on urban quality of life and the need to promote public transport as a viable alternative.

Measures and Policies for Efficient Public Transport

Andrei Turcoman emphasized that “to solve public transport problems, we must work closely with authorities and have clear policies that discourage the use of private cars in cities.”

To illustrate the importance of predictability and psychological comfort for users, he quoted the British writer Rory Sutherland, who says in Transport for Humans:

“Public transport users prefer to wait 15 minutes knowing they will wait 15 minutes, rather than wait 8 minutes without knowing if they will wait 8.”

Thus, the solution is not only buying electric buses but also improving passenger experience through modern infrastructure and digital services.

Major Projects in Botoșani

Turcoman presented the two flagship projects transforming public transport in Botoșani:

1. PNRR Project – 25 million euros

• Acquisition of 68 electric buses;

• Installation of fast and slow charging stations;

• Construction of modern boarding/deboarding stations;

• Implementation of real-time electronic display systems;

• Introduction of an e-ticketing system for tickets and subscriptions.

2. POR Project – 3 million euros

• Modernization of the public transport base;

• Construction of a new modern and sustainable depot equipped with washing, servicing, and tire repair facilities;

• Creation of a common space for employee activities.

Digitalization and Facilitating Access

An essential component of modernization is the digitalization of public transport. “Travelers in Botoșani benefit from a smart mobile application, Transi, through which they can see bus arrivals in real time and purchase tickets and subscriptions online,” explained the Eltrans director.

This application adds comfort and predictability, key elements in increasing public transport usage.

Service Expansion and Regional Cooperation

Another important point announced was the takeover, starting January 1, 2026, of 12 routes from the metropolitan area, and within an Intercommunity Development Association (ADI), work is underway on a route linking Botoșani to Suceava Airport.

This service expansion indicates an integrated vision of urban and regional mobility that facilitates economic and social connections in the Moldova Region.

Conclusions and Perspectives

Andrei Turcoman concluded his intervention with a clear and open invitation to all participants to engage in a continuous and constructive dialogue, essential for the success of public transport development projects. He reaffirmed the firm commitment of Eltrans, together with the Botoșani City Hall, to consistently invest in modernizing and making urban transport services more efficient.

The goal is to create a sustainable system that ensures easy mobility, comfort, and safety for citizens, while also addressing current ecological challenges. Turcoman emphasized that only through close collaboration among authorities, operators, and the community can a public transport system adapted to local realities be built, supporting the sustainable development of the city.