Metrorex financial and leadership crisis

The Bucharest metro operator, Metrorex, is experiencing a severe financial crisis that threatens to halt public transport operations. Union leaders from the United Free Metro Union (USLM) warned that the metro could cease functioning if employees are not paid by mid-September. USLM president Marian Artimon reported that the company has only 3,000 lei remaining in its accounts, which is insufficient for upcoming payroll. This instability is exacerbated by a staff shortage of nearly 1,000 employees and the Ministry of Transport’s suspension of state budget funds due to administrative failures regarding budget approval procedures.

In response to the crisis, Artimon has criticized Metrorex management, alleging that decision-making has shifted from technical expertise to economic considerations. He noted that cost-cutting measures have left many subunits without proper leadership, with only 1.7% of personnel currently in management positions. While the company has attempted to maintain schedules by using Bombardier trains to cover for units undergoing maintenance, the underlying financial and leadership challenges remain unresolved.