Bad smell, incompetent drivers, no air conditioning – Tashkent residents on city buses

The core problem

One of the most persistent and widely reported issues is the lack of functioning air conditioners in city buses. In a capital city where summer temperatures officially reach extreme levels and often feel even more severe in reality this absence is not just inconvenient but potentially dangerous.

Local media have reported on the issue repeatedly, revealing that malfunctioning air conditioners are only part of the broader dissatisfaction. Complaints also center on driver behavior, poor bus hygiene, and unreliable service quality.

What residents are saying

In a recent street questionnaire, some Tashkent residents said that only some buses have working air conditioners. "Bus route 101, for example, doesn’t have any AC," one citizen said. "Every bus should be equipped and operational, especially during this extreme heat."

Another resident described how drivers often give vague or misleading excuses: "They blame battery shortages, saying the AC drains power. But why should passengers suffer because of poor planning and maintenance?"

Citizens also criticized the behavior and professionalism of bus drivers. "They drive recklessly, often speeding and ignoring passenger safety. There needs to be proper training not only on driving but on etiquette as well."

Beyond the lack of AC, people complain about unpleasant odors in buses, particularly on routes 38 and 51, and schedule delays on route 17. Some describe the experience as unbearable, especially when the temperature inside the bus feels even higher than outside.

Some also allege that air conditioners are deliberately turned off, despite the fact that outside temperatures often remain high well into the evening.

Official response

The city’s public transport operator, Toshshahartransxizmat JSC, acknowledged the complaints. A press representative stated that older buses still in operation were manufactured without air conditioning systems. Meanwhile, newer buses are equipped with AC that is programmed to function between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, set at a standard temperature of 26°C.

According to the company, around 300 complaints have been received through the official hotline (1062 that works till 18:00), with over 100 of them related specifically to non-air-conditioned older models. The spokesperson added that replacing or upgrading those vehicles will take time.

However, the official response failed to address several critical issues raised by citizens, such as claims about drivers switching off ACs early, poor driving conduct, and the general hygiene of buses. Moreover, the explanation leaves unanswered why cooling systems stop at 7 PM when heat persists well past that hour.

Public health and infrastructure concerns

Health experts have long warned about the effects of extreme heat on the human body, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like city buses. For Tashkent, a megacity aiming to modernize its public infrastructure and become more livable for both locals and international visitors, such problems hinder progress and raise broader questions about governance and accountability in the transport sector.

If the city hopes to present itself as a regional hub with modern and comfortable public services, it must address not only technical shortcomings but also service quality and the lived experiences of its citizens. Public transportation should be a point of comfort and attractiveness, not a test of endurance.