What changes await the postal service of the Vitebsk region?

The optimization of the postal service began not yesterday, but about 10 years ago. However, the changes were not as intensive then as they have been over the last 3 years. Now they are so noticeable that residents of the region frequently turn to various authorities for explanations as to why this is happening and what will happen next? We asked the Director of the Vitebsk Branch of RUE "Belpochta" Sergey Maksak to answer these questions.

– Sergey Eduardovich, what prompted the postal system, particularly in the Vitebsk region, to undergo such transformations?

In the Vitebsk region, the rural postal network is deployed much wider than required. In accordance with current regulatory documents, one rural post office should serve 2,000 people. As of January 1, there were 396 rural post offices operating in the region. According to the standards, there should be 148. We do not have many large rural settlements in our region. Therefore, we have to operate even where the postal facility serves areas with populations ranging from 150 to 700 people. Postmen serve remote villages. The cost mechanism, spare parts, fuel, and electricity are constantly increasing in price. Taking this into account, the profitability of services is declining. Naturally, it is better not to invest the same money into losses, but to save it and increase people's salaries. Therefore, unprofitable post offices, which have no opportunity to increase the volume of core services, have to be optimized, but not in the literal sense of the word. The post office will remain with its clients; only the forms and methods of work will change. The service will become mobile, and settlements will be attached to nearby profitable post offices.

– As is known, such an experience has been around for a long time and is actively used...

– Yes. As of January 1, 51 mobile post offices were already operating in the region, 11 of which were organized in 2013. This direction will continue to develop. The conversion of stationary facilities "to wheels" is included in the company's business plan for 2014. About 20 more mobile routes will appear.

The largest number of mobile post offices currently operates in the Vitebsk, Polotsk, Postavy, Senno, Dokshytsy, and Glubokoye districts.

– Do customers lose anything in terms of service, given that many have recently actively used bank payment cards at the post office and purchased related products?

– We regularly, together with representatives of district executive committees and chairpersons of rural executive committees, visit settlements and meet with village elders and residents. We explain what types of services and in what volume our clients will receive. By the way, their entire range remains the same. "Mobile post offices" are equipped in accordance with modern requirements with a special computer system for accepting all types of payments in demand by the population in on-line modes, and bank payment card readers for cashless payment of services. It is also possible to send an electronic money transfer, a registered letter or parcel, i.e., all types of postal items, as well as purchase necessary goods that were previously in the assortment. The only thing is that such an office will operate for a certain time and in a certain place. Information stands and mailboxes will be located there. Arrival schedules are discussed in detail with the population. The time and place of stops are also adjusted as needed. Each route has an individual approach. All of them are under personal control.

– What will happen to the staff after the branches are closed?

– Postmen will remain in their positions, and it will even become more comfortable for them. The average delivery route for a postman is 10-15 km. With optimization, our vehicles will be able to give them a ride on certain parts of their routes. – And what awaits other employees? – We are considering possible employment options, offering the profession of postman if there are vacancies, and assisting in finding jobs in other organizations. There are cases of transfers and dismissals upon reaching retirement age.

– Does the reduction only affect rural post offices? – Yes, it will not affect district centers. In large cities with a high population density, the network will, on the contrary, expand. For example, in the Bilevo microdistrict of the regional center, it is planned to open a stationary post office, similarly in the new densely populated microdistrict of Polotsk. We are also installing pavilions in Vitebsk.

– What is the fate of the vacated premises?

– We rent some of the premises for post offices. If optimization occurs, the premises are returned. Those that are on our balance sheet are put into economic circulation in accordance with the law. We hold auctions, put them up for sale.

– To summarize, what should the postal service ultimately achieve? – To provide postal service users with high-level service, taking into account the introduction of new forms and methods, including through the organization of services for the rural population by mobile post offices and motorized delivery, and a decent salary level for employees of all categories. Therefore, today everything is aimed at optimizing the system's activities and the quality of services provided.

Nadezhda Fondarenko, "Vitebskiye Vesti"