Ulaanbaatar
Mayor D.Sumiyabazar: Light rail transit is one of the most suitable options for Ulaanbaatar
Society
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. On March 16, Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Sumiyabazar held a meeting with journalists to inform them about the current situation regarding the city’s traffic and public transport. Noting that a study has found that the traffic congestion of Ulaanbaatar city has reached an all-time high at 85 percent, he mentioned the factors causing the issue include the number of vehicles, available parking space and the skills of drivers as well as urban planning.
To solve the issue in the mid- and long-term, certain measures will be taken such as the establishment of more underpasses and the renewal of public transport, which includes the new addition of double decker buses in the near future. Furthermore, light rail transit (LRT) is one of the most suitable options for Ulaanbaatar city. As it can be easily realized, it is one of the projects that should be urgently implemented, he highlighted.
“As the issue of budget and financing is one of the main issues for various projects, we are currently working to resolve this matter by creating the appropriate legal environment. If 40 percent of the income tax being deducted from entities are to be used locally, the income of districts are expected to increase by MNT 700 billion, whereas the capital city’s income to increase by MNT 400 billion, with the capital city budget increasing by MNT 1.1 trillion. Securities and bonds are also considered necessary as they will serve as additional financial resources that are required to appropriately resolve the pressing issues of the city.
As it is necessary for Ulaanbaatar city to become “digital”, we are also currently working to transition into a system where the city’s taxes and fees are resolved in a way that is stress-free.” The mayor announced that the meeting with journalists will be organized monthly.
