The Metro Free Union (USLM) is asking the Transport Ministry to include Bucharest metro operator Metrorex in the SAFE II programme and allocate funds to prepare the metro network as a strategic civil-protection objective, following last week's flooding of Piata Victoriei 2 station.

USLM president Marian Artimon said the incident must be analysed and that chronic underfunding is a core issue. 'The flooding was regrettable (...) but we thank metro staff and the Army, firefighters and Apa Nova for their effort. One of the main causes is the lack of financing. For 30 years Metrorex has not received a single leu for civil protection, the very purpose it was created for,' he stated.

Artimon added that Metrorex has long been treated only as a public-transport operator. 'We ask the Transport Ministry to prepare Metrorex as a strategic civil-protection objective and to include it in SAFE II, so the metro can reach European civil-protection standards. Otherwise, we may face such crises more often,' he said.

The union leader also criticised the current compensation system. 'After 30 years of neglect, people were upset the water wasn't pumped out faster. With what? Even military firefighters didn't have pumps suited for metro conditions,' Artimon noted, urging authorities to assume responsibility and secure funding.

According to Metrorex, Piata Victoriei 2 flooded due to heavy rainfall and massive water infiltration, and the station was closed until interventions were completed to ensure safe circulation. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nicoleta Banciulea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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