Uzbekistan Announces Changes to Public Transport Fares: What it Means for Commuters

The National Agency of Information Uzbekistan (UzA) has announced that changes to the payment system for public transport vehicles will take effect until the end of May this year. 

Under the expected plan, the one-time price of a ticket for public transportation will be changed to 2,000 soms, while passengers paying via bank and transport cards, as well as mobile applications will be charged 1,600 soms.  Currently, about 55-60 percent of public transport users in Tashkent pay their fares through a special automated payment system.  To encourage more people to use electronic payment methods, cheaper fares will be established for electronic payers compared to passengers who pay in cash.

Furthermore, passengers who use the same type of transport for the second, third, and fourth time will receive favorable benefits.  For example, if a passenger uses one bus for an hour, they will be charged 1,600 soms, or if they change buses in the same direction, they will be charged 1,600 soms for the first trip and 400 soms for the subsequent trip.  Passengers who use the transport more than three times will be able to use it for free. 

For passengers using the metro, a one-way trip will cost 1,600 soms.  If a passenger uses the subway first, followed by a bus, they will charge 1,600 and 1,000 soms, respectively, and the use of the third transport will be free.  It is important to note that these payment types are only valid for electronic payers, not for cash payers.