People’s Democratic Party urges income-based approach to Uzbekistan’s public transport fares

The party’s parliamentary deputies commented on proposals to change public transport fares from the perspective of low-income and large families.

Authorities are also studying the possibility of introducing a School Bus system in Tashkent. According to preliminary survey results, 73.5% of respondents said they would like to use such a service.

A separate proposal would raise the fare for trips paid electronically from UZS 1,700 to UZS 2,500 starting October 1.

The People’s Democratic Party said transport fares should be set with consideration for household incomes and the impact of fare increases on family budgets.

The party’s deputies said that, alongside carriers’ operating costs, policymakers should consider household incomes and expenses, the daily travel needs of schoolchildren and students, and the financial circumstances 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 called for a separate discounted fare for schoolchildren, saying the measure is included in its election program.

The party said all schoolchildren should have access to a discounted fare, while additional support mechanisms should be introduced for children from socially vulnerable and large families.

The party also stressed that children’s safety should be the top priority when they travel to and from school. From this perspective, it considers the introduction of the School Bus system important, but said the service should not create an additional financial burden for parents.

The party pointed to international practices aimed at reducing schoolchildren’s transport costs. In some countries, students receive discounts on public transport, while in others, transport costs are fully or partially 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 impact of any fare changes should be assessed objectively, alongside the introduction of effective discounted fares for schoolchildren and support mechanisms for families.