New Transport Network Implementation Will Significantly Increase Fare Prices: Poghosyan

The final version of the new transport network project for Yerevan is ready and has been developed by the British consultancy WYG on behalf of the previous city authorities. Today, at a press conference, Armen Poghosyan, a member of the transport commission operating under the Yerevan municipality and president of the Consumers Union, addressed the issues arising from the new project.

According to Poghosyan, the implementation of the new network will lead to a sharp increase in transport fares: “If we do not foresee how the situation will be, it will be too late. There is not a single bus that will not cost four or five times more than the current minibuses.” He noted that drivers are currently working for 18 hours, with many not officially registered and operating under informal schemes. When transport becomes legal, there will need to be two drivers to work in shifts, adding an additional cost factor.

Poghosyan also discussed the frequency of transport operations, which, according to the new project, will be every 9-15 minutes, something he considers inconvenient.

Regarding the transition to electronic ticketing, Armen Poghosyan stated he fully supports this approach: “There should be an electronic ticket, which will be cheaper for the passenger. It has been in operation in various countries for a long time and is financially beneficial from all perspectives.”