Cash payments for bus fares in Tashkent now subject to fines

Starting January 1, cash payments for bus fares in Tashkent have been suspended, and passengers who attempt to pay in cash will face fines, according to a report by UzA.  

With the abolition of cash payments, ticket sellers will no longer be employed. Their contracts will be terminated in accordance with labor legislation, with prior warning letters issued. Currently, Tashkent has 2,644 bus stops, and 5,500 QR-ticket kiosks have been installed nearby.  

Efforts are underway to integrate info-kiosks at stops that currently lack them. Passengers wishing to pay in cash can use these kiosks to purchase a QR-ticket. The fare for a one-time QR-ticket is 3,000 sums, while payments made using the “ATTO” card or mobile app cost 1,700 sums. QR-ticket kiosks are available at bus stops for one-time use. Passengers are advised to retain their tickets until the end of their journey, as they may be subject to inspection. All “ATTO” cards include transit fare options, according to officials.  

Salimjon Nishonbayev, an inspector from the Tashkent City Territorial Department of the Transport Control Inspectorate, stated that drivers are prohibited from accepting cash payments. Territorial inspectors monitor compliance, and first-time violations result in a warning. Repeat offenses lead to an administrative report for both the driver and the passenger.  

Under Articles 144 and 145 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility, passengers caught paying in cash face fines amounting to one-tenth of the base calculation amount. With the current base amount set at 375,000 sums, violators will be fined 37,500 sums. "Toshshahartranskhizmat" joint-stock company has installed surveillance cameras on all buses to ensure enforcement.