Pavlovo's crumbling buses spark outrage after door falls off mid-route

Public transport in Pavlovo has reached a breaking point after years of neglect. Residents describe the buses as old, overcrowded and unsafe—some even call them 'cattle trucks'. Now, a recent incident where a door fell off a moving bus has reignited anger over the town's failing services.

For years, passengers in Pavlovo have endured buses that are filthy, infrequent and always packed. Complaints about the poor state of transport have gone unanswered, while fares remain higher than in nearby cities. Currently, a single trip costs 40 rubles—five rubles more than in Nizhny Novgorod, where services are far better.

The situation worsened last week when a bus door detached while the vehicle was in motion. Witnesses reported that the driver continued without stopping. This incident follows years of minimal improvements, despite promises from local officials. Between 2021 and 2026, Pavlovo saw little investment in new buses or schedules, unlike larger regional cities such as Nizhny Novgorod, which introduced electric buses and digital systems to improve reliability. Local authorities claim high fares are necessary due to a lack of budget funds for subsidies. Yet residents argue that even with the price hike, buses remain unreliable. Many now prefer taxis, which are often cheaper and far more comfortable. From April 1, fares will rise by another five rubles, pushing the cost to 45 rubles per trip.

The latest fare increase will take effect next month, adding to the frustration of Pavlovo's residents. With no signs of improvement in service quality, many see little reason to keep using the buses. The town's transport system remains stuck in a cycle of high costs and poor conditions.