Ukraine and Moldova to launch Odessa-Chisinau-Odessa shuttle bus service

MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - Ukraine and Moldova have agreed to launch a shuttle bus service between the city of Odessa and Chisinau Airport from March 1, 2024, Ukrainian media said, citing a statement made by head of the Odessa regional military administration's department of marine economy, transport infrastructure and communications Alexander Gaiduk at a press briefing.

"The Odessa regional military administration is implementing the Aerotransfer project. The first buses with passengers will depart from the Starosennaya bus station at 8:00 a.m. or from Chisinau Airport at 7:00 p.m.," Gaiduk said.

After buying tickets, passengers will able to use the new shuttle bus service and get to the airport faster than by other modes of transport, he said.

The decision on this shuttle bus route was adopted with the participation of international partners of the European Union's mission providing border assistance to Ukraine and Moldova.

The two countries' State Border Services and State Customs Service have worked out an algorithm for all services to allow such shuttle buses to cross the border as soon as possible, Gaiduk said.

Passengers will be required to register on the website of the Odessa regional military administration and to provide information on the date, time and number of their flight departing from or arriving in Chisinau.

"The regional military administration's website clarifies the registration procedure and the list of documents that need to be attached to make a booking," Gaiduk said.

The ticket price stands at 800 hryvni, but there will be a 50% discount for a number of categories of citizens, he said.

One bus trip will take 40 minutes and passing through customs and border controls will also take up to 40 minutes, he said.

Passengers will also be able to benefit from inclusive transfer services, which include organizing the full trip cycle, from ticket purchase to arrival at the point of destination, for people with disabilities and other people with reduced mobility.