Assistance for Short Term Measures to Improve the Efficiency and Effectiveness of METROREX (2006)

Metrorex - a unit within the MTCT - is the company responsible for operating the Bucharest subway system. During this project Seneca reviewed and recommended various means and actions for making Metro services in Bucharest more efficient and effective. Strategies focused on containing costs and government subsidies while increasing patronage with a minimum of additional capital investments. The study was short range in nature and largely confined to what Metrorex can accomplish within its own authority and competence, without expansion of the existing system. Tasks performed included:

• Identification to maintenance and operational practices to reduce operating costs
• Identifying means to improve cost recovery (fare evasion reduction, fare increases, reducing exemptions) from metro passengers
• Recommending financial incentives to Metrorex to reduce government subsidies
• Identifying means to improve integration of the metro system with the surface transport routes including shared ticketing
• Making recommendations to reorganize the Metrorex institutional structure to improve the efficiency of service delivery
• Identifying techniques to lower staff costs through targeted staff reductions and outsourcing
• Suggesting modest capital investments on the existing system including, inter-alia, improved and/or more rolling stock and improved station facilities and passenger amenities
• Recommendations for developing and implementing an aggressive passenger marketing campaign.