Bianjie

[journey]

Government u-turns as BDA-led transport minister reaches a deal with Luthorian Olyster-Rohan Company companies to buy trains for Gemun Metro
3 October 5644



For months now, planned underground system in the nation's capital city has been a point of contention between the government and the opposition-led Gemun Metropolitan Administration with Batu Asuke in charge. Government has been extremely reluctant and rather negative in showing any support for the project, be it public verbal, or private financial through the local government and transport ministry. However, back in July something seem to have changed with the leaked information of the Olyster-Rohan Company from Luthori negotiating with both the national and Gemun governments to buy Luthorian railstock. Despite both sides denying that, both we and the Luthorian media got confirmations from the sources inside governments of these talks.

And so yesterday, government came out officially announcing that they have reached an agreement with Luthorian companies on the matter, with the State Council buying 10 trainsets (6 cars each) produced by the Olyster-Rohan Company on behalf of the Gemun Metropolitan Government. Obviously, not for free, though Premier Tabai Wenggot and transport minister Yelu Keobunta try to convince citizens that the price is rather cheap and "really advantageous" for Bianjian state. Keobunta says that while they thank Luthorian company for approaching and leading a really "gentlemen" negotiation cycle, Bianjie remains open for other proposals to come from around the Terra, if there will be any, but emphasises that the State Council will "fight for the best deal for Bianjie".

Government's "u-turn" has not been perceived positively by the opposition, with the leader of the largest opposition party, SPP, Abatai Soca, attacking State Council of "flip-flopping, where it is benefitial for them financially". Soca accused government of speficially targetting opposition-controlled local governments nationwide and refusing to cooperate with them, adding that such actions can be regarded as "treason". Gemun's mayor Batu Asuke had a mixed reaction to the announcement, saying he is "thankful" for the support in the end, and the swift negotiation process to Luthorian side, but also accused national government of virtue signaling with this move, despite earlier refusing any financial support for the project. Not even some on the government benches are happy about these turns, with major party members within Party for the People saying that the coalition must "pick a side": either go full on the support for the Metro, or total refusal to cooperate and fund. 

Gemun's planned metro is expected to be the first rapid transit system in the nation, with the first three lines being outlined in the plan presented by the capital city's government a couple of months ago after failed negotiations for government support. Line 1, which is expected to connect Talman Ward with the city centre, planned to be up to 23 kilometres long, and could become of service between 700 thousand and 1 million Gemunans daily. Capital city's government says the construction will depend on various factors, but the planned deadline according to the plan is 5650.

Shōgyōshi (商業紙, Commercial Paper) is the daily and the largest financial newspaper in Bianjie founded in 5497. 
@Shōgyōshi
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