What is the cheapest way to get to Sochi? The answer will surprise you

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Toll rates are going up

Last year, the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management already tried to increase the fare, but the project was sent for review.

After finalizing in the draft resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation, the new maximum rates for cars will look like this:

  • On reconstructed roads (M-4 “Don”): 5 rubles per kilometer.
  • On newly built roads (for example, M-11 Neva, M-12, Central Ring Road): 8 rubles per kilometer.

The bureau explains the increase in the maximum rate because the price of road construction has risen noticeably in recent years. And yes, everything has gone up in price. That’s why we need to raise the rate. But officials say: an increase in the maximum fare does not mean an increase in the fare at all – the amount of the compensation is determined by the owner of the road and he is not allowed to use this option.

What is the cheapest way to get to Sochi – by car or plane?

How much will the new rates cost? Let’s take a trip from Moscow to the south, since car tourism to the Black Sea is very popular, and residents of other regions often jump on this route – for many it is the shortest and fastest way.

Paid sections on the M-4 Don highway – 889 kilometers. For a passenger car, the rate on the weekend from Moscow to Novorossiysk in one direction is 2810 rubles, which gives 3.16 rubles per km. So, if the rate according to the proposed changes is the maximum (5 rubles per kilometer), you will have to pay 1.58 times more for the road to the sea – 4440 rubles! Taking into account gasoline, it will cost about 13,000 rubles for a one-way trip or 26,000 rubles round trip.

Flight tickets to Sochi (return), if not purchased on the same day, will cost 8,000 rubles per person. That is Flying to Sochi together costs less than traveling by car. I think such a disproportion will simply reduce the number of people who want to drive along the highway, that is, the traffic will decrease. Some drivers will bypass the most expensive sections using free alternatives, causing many miles of congestion.

Traveling along the M-12 highway under construction in a passenger car at the maximum rate (1,700 kilometers for 8 rubles) will cost the driver 13,600 rubles for a one-way trip. Add gasoline here for 8,000 rubles – and a trip from Moscow to Yekaterinburg with a breeze will rise to 21,600 rubles. Do we have many drivers who have that much money?

Why?

In fact, officials are right: the cost of road construction is increasing by leaps and bounds. This, of course, is due to the rising cost of purchasing and maintaining equipment due to sanctions and the withdrawal of a number of manufacturers from the Russian market.

Many road workers have been mobilized and the construction and maintenance of modern roads is no longer a low-skilled job. In the job, they use complex and expensive machines, which take time to master the skill. Once a milling machine driver is called in, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find a second one. We have to train those who are able to, and this time and of course money.

Is there an exit?

Is there a reasonable way out of the situation? It is not clear yet. Toll road owners don’t print money, it has to come from somewhere. At the same time, costs are rising, there are fewer specialists on the labor market and the standards for toll roads are world-class. In my opinion, part of the costs, of course, in a recoverable form, can be covered by the state for some time, otherwise the toll roads, which are already not very busy, can be completely empty.

  • 11 survival secrets for those who dare to drive the Kolyma highway – here.
  • “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Telegram
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