People’s Democratic Party urges income-based approach to Uzbekistan’s public transport fares
The People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan has called for household incomes to be taken into account when revising public transport fares, while supporting the introduction of the School Bus system and proposing discounted fares for schoolchildren.
People’s Democratic Party calls for income-based public transport fares in Uzbekistan
The party’s parliamentary deputies weighed in on proposals to revise public transport fares from the standpoint of low-income and large families.
Officials are also examining the introduction of a School Bus system in Tashkent. Based on preliminary survey findings, 73.5% of respondents said they would like to use such a service.
Another proposal would increase the fare for electronically paid trips from UZS 1,700 to UZS 2,500 beginning October 1.
The People’s Democratic Party said transport fares should be determined with regard to household incomes and the effect of higher prices on family budgets.
Its deputies said that, in addition to carriers’ operating costs, policymakers should take into account household incomes and spending, the daily travel needs of schoolchildren and students, and the financial situation of low-income and large families.
“For every parent, it is important that their child can travel freely, access education and reach their destination safely. Therefore, when shaping public transport policy, social equality, access to education, child safety and the interests of families should be among the main criteria alongside economic efficiency,” the party said
The party also urged a separate discounted fare for schoolchildren, saying the measure is part of its election program.
It said all schoolchildren should be able to use a discounted fare, while extra support mechanisms should be created for children from socially vulnerable and large families.
The party further emphasized that children’s safety must be the top priority when they travel to and from school. From that perspective, it sees the introduction of the School Bus system as important, but said the service should not place an additional financial burden on parents.
The party cited international practices designed to lower transport costs for schoolchildren. In some countries, students get discounts on public transport, while in others, transport expenses are fully or partly subsidized depending on the distance to school, household income and the availability of transport services in the area.
The People’s Democratic Party said the social consequences of any fare changes should be assessed objectively, together with the introduction of effective discounted fares for schoolchildren and support mechanisms for families.