Mosul replaces aging Kia minibuses with subsidized new vehicles

MOSUL, Iraq — Mosul Governor Hişam al-Hashimi announced on Thursday that a new fleet of vehicles has been introduced to the city to replace aging Kia minibuses used for passenger transport. The decision follows concerns that most of the existing minibuses, many dating to the 1990s, no longer meet standards for safety, comfort and environmental performance. According to al-Hashimi, the new vehicles have arrived in Mosul and are undergoing registration, with the program being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Transport. The vehicles will be rented to citizens at subsidized, affordable rates through the ministry, with the aim of easing transport costs for lower-income residents. The 11- to 14-passenger Kia minibuses being phased out have long drawn complaints nationwide for structural fatigue and crash risk. Officials also pointed to harmful emissions from the older vehicles as an additional environmental burden on the city.