Uncovered Multiple Violations in Hot Station Operations by Yakutsk Accounting Chamber
In the Siberian city of Yakutsk, heated bus stops have become a source of concern for residents, with numerous shortcomings and inefficiencies revealed in a recent audit. Despite the city's harsh climate, the search results do not provide specific information about solutions not implemented in Yakutsk's heated bus stops compared to other regions in Russia. However, by examining standard practices, we can identify potential areas where improvements could be made.
Standard solutions in heated bus stops across Russia often include effective insulation and double glazing to reduce heat loss, improved ventilation systems to maintain air quality, energy-efficient heating systems such as radiant heating or heat pumps, smart LED lighting to save energy, real-time information displays, charging stations for phones and other devices, safety enhancements like CCTV cameras and emergency call systems, and the provision of wheelchair ramps for accessibility.
However, in Yakutsk, many of these solutions appear to be lacking. For instance, a significant portion of the equipment purchased for heated bus stops remains unused, and insufficient numbers and improper placement of trash cans cause inconvenience for citizens. Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the condition and maintenance of heated stops, and frequent breakdowns of doors, windows, lighting, and other elements require constant repair.
The audit also uncovered inefficient use of budget funds, with 5.6 million rubles wasted in the purchase of equipment for heated bus stops. Untimely cleaning of heated bus stops creates unsanitary conditions, and some stops do not have internet access, making them less functional and convenient for users. Furthermore, not all stops have been put into operation on time, and many lack fire alarm systems and CCTV, posing risks to citizens' safety.
The initial allocation of responsibilities for the content of the stops led to the accumulation of debt for electricity, and the absence of bus schedules and police call buttons at heated bus stops causes inconvenience for passengers. Automatic systems for turning lights and heating on and off are absent in some heated bus stops, leading to inefficient use of electricity.
Currently, there are 51 heated bus stops operating in Yakutsk, installed and maintained by various organisations. However, the list of stops for 2024 was not fully approved by the end of the year, and technical solutions such as temperature and brightness sensor equipment, USB charging for phones, energy-saving glazing with armour, electronic displays, automation, access control, and monitoring systems are yet to be implemented.
The Audit Chamber of Yakutsk has identified inefficient work by the Department of Architecture and Transport Infrastructure of the City Administration of Yakutsk during the audit, and further research specific to Yakutsk would be needed to provide a comprehensive answer. It is hoped that these findings will prompt action towards improving the condition and functionality of Yakutsk's heated bus stops, ensuring they provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient service for all residents.
In the previous analysis, it was noted that Yakutsk's heated bus stops lack effective insulation, efficient heating systems, and proper equipment utilization, which are common features in heated bus stops across the Russian industry. Moreover, inefficient budget use, unsanitary conditions, and lack of safety enhancements like fire alarms and CCTV have resulted in safety concerns. To address these issues, it may be beneficial to study standard finance and transportation practices in the public-transit sector of other regions in Russia, in order to implement best practices in Yakutsk's heated bus stops.
