New People party deputy pushes bill to require officials to use public transport
A State Duma deputy from the New People party is preparing to submit a bill to the parliament that would compel officials to rely on public transport. The proposal comes amid the Car-Free Days initiative, which aims to promote sustainable urban mobility and reduce traffic in cities. Officials at federal, regional, and municipal levels, along with deputies of all ranks, would be required to commute to their workplaces using public transport two days each work week. The explanatory note attached to the draft specifies that the Government of the Russian Federation will determine the dates and procedures for Car-Free Days for federal officials.
Supporters say the measure could help government leaders gain a clearer understanding of public transportation challenges and foster greater trust among citizens. By stepping into the same mobility conditions as everyday commuters, officials might observe bottlenecks, service gaps, and reliability issues firsthand, translating into more informed policy decisions and accountability that resonates with the public.
Earlier, another State Duma deputy, Sultan Khamzaev, discussed a separate proposal related to traffic enforcement near borders. The idea suggests suspending administrative liability for drivers and cancelling fines tied to excessive speeding in border regions. Khamzaev stated that he had sent a formal appeal to the head of the traffic police on the matter. He argued that during the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, many motorists exceeded speed limits to reach safety more quickly, highlighting the tension between security concerns and enforcement fairness.
In related remarks, there was mention of discussions about potential responses to vehicle imports and the status of Japanese cars in Russia, reflecting broader questions about trade, sanctions, and vehicular policy. Observers note that such debates illustrate how public policy can intertwine transportation safety, border security, and economic considerations in complex ways that affect everyday life for citizens across the country.