Vladivostok cancels bus contracts early amid driver shortages and delays

Vladivostok has ended its three-year transport contracts early due to ongoing problems in the sector. Issues included a shortage of drivers and insufficient funding, leaving some routes without permanent operators. The city has also fined bus companies after repeated delays disrupted services in early May. The city administration first reviewed tender results in March 2026 to secure new transport contracts. However, not all routes found operators immediately. Routes previously run by Kastar and VladAvto remained under temporary agreements instead.

By May, inspections revealed widespread schedule violations. Over ten drivers failed to follow timetables, affecting routes No. 4, 7, 13, 28, 31, 42, 45, 59, 60, 64, 74, 82, and 95. The Transport Department confirmed these breaches and imposed fines totalling 216,000 rubles. The city had already decommissioned buses older than ten years, reducing available vehicles. Many companies had also completed leasing deals for newer models, further limiting flexibility. With contracts terminated and temporary measures in place, residents have been urged to report further delays to the Transport Department on +7 (423) 261-43-34.

The early termination of contracts leaves Vladivostok’s transport network in a transitional phase. Temporary agreements now cover some routes, while fines aim to enforce better schedule compliance. Residents continue to face disruptions as the city works to stabilise services.