Entrepreneur Igor Rotenberg is set to completely divest his stake in RTITS, the Plato toll system operator for heavy vehicles. This development was reported by RBC, with a cited source confirming the move.
Another source indicated that the deal was nearing completion. Rotenberg acquired 50 percent of RTITS in 2015 and has since gradually reduced his share. At the most recent trading point, the company’s stake held by Rotenberg stood at 23.5 percent.
The largest portion of RTITS, amounting to 50 percent, is owned by RT-Invest, a subsidiary of the state corporation Rostec.
In August it was noted that the LDPR group proposed a bill to channel funds collected from the Plato truck toll system toward highway infrastructure benefiting truckers. The LDPR argued that the lack of comfortable hotels and adequate food and beverage services on highways makes long-haul trucking an unattractive profession. While relief would not be immediate, subsidies drawn from road taxes were suggested as a way to address the issue over time.
Earlier reports highlighted a shortage of 100,000–150,000 truck drivers across the industry.
Notes: The information reflects reported statements and reported positions from multiple sources, with ongoing industry and policy considerations surrounding toll-funded infrastructure and driver labor supply.