Uzbekistan Railways cites increased operational costs as reason for ticket price surge

"Uztemiryulyulovchi" has explained the recent increase in train ticket prices. Representatives from the subsidiary of Uzbekistan Railways discussed this during a press conference on September 5.

The state company noted that ticket prices had remained unchanged since 2018. However, during this time, the wage fund increased by 350%, electricity costs surged by 800%, and expenses for repairing passenger carriages and other services rose by 180% and 520%, respectively.

"Although ticket prices remained unchanged for many years, the cost of manufacturing train cars, service maintenance, and other services has significantly risen," the statement said.

From 2023 to 2024, the company's revenues increased by 130%, while expenses decreased by 125%. Detailed information was not provided.

"Uztemiryulyulovchi" plans to introduce air conditioning in trains, work with conductors to combat corruption, modernize the carriage fleet, improve services, and implement new technologies.

In June, Uzbekistan Railways raised ticket prices for express trains. Starting from July 1, the fare for the "Nasaf," "Uzbekistan," and "Sharq" trains increased by 25%. This was the second fare hike for express trains since the beginning of the year, following a 20% increase in January.

In addition, the state company raised fares for high-speed Afrosiyob trains several times. The first fare increase, by 60%, occurred last November, followed by two more hikes in January and May.