Survey: What do people think about the increase in public transport fares?
In Tashkent, starting from October 1, bus and metro fares are expected to increase from the current 1,700 soums to 2,500 soums. Additionally, new tariff plans for transport cards and discounted fares for passengers transferring within one hour are planned to be introduced. Kun.uz studied the reaction of city residents to the fare increase.
Survey: How do people view the fare increase?
Some of those surveyed viewed the fare increase as a normal occurrence. They said that transport has its own costs and the tariff increase could help cover those expenses.
"It is a demand of the times, prices are rising everywhere. Transport has its own costs," said one of the survey participants.
Another citizen said that considering the costs of the metro and transport system, the new tariff is understandable. In their opinion, the current price likely does not fully cover transport costs.
Some stated that they would not notice the new tariff much due to discounts and benefits in electronic payments.
"If there are discounts on ATTO cards or some bank cards as there are now, for example, 990-soum discounts, it won't be very noticeable for me. If those discounts remain, the fare increase won't make a big difference," said one of the citizens.
Not all survey participants shared this view. Some respondents said that the current 1,700-soum tariff should be maintained, noting that this could have a significant impact, especially on students and those who use public transport frequently.
"It will be difficult for students. There are also those who work alongside their studies, so it will be harder," said one of the survey participants.
"There should be an increase in quality, an improvement in transport quality," said one of the respondents.
Prior to this, the bus and metro fare in Tashkent was 1,400 soums, and this tariff had been in effect since August 15, 2019.