During a meeting of the Transport, Communications, Architecture, and Construction Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, Deputy Eldar Abakirov inquired about the payback period for the new buses. In response, Bishkek Vice Mayor Mirlan Baygonchokov mentioned that 124 new buses were purchased through an EBRD grant. He explained that for the buses to be financially viable, fare adjustments would be necessary.
Baygonchokov highlighted that the public transportation enterprise operates at a deficit and requires support from the local budget. However, to move away from relying on subsidies, tariff changes are essential. Currently, the fare for public transportation is 17 soms for non-cash payments and 20 soms for cash payments.
The Vice Mayor pointed out that with the existing tariffs, the buses would not be able to cover their costs. He suggested that a fare of 25 soms would enable the buses to break even within eight to ten years, assuming stable prices and exchange rates. The discussion underscores the financial considerations involved in sustaining and improving public transportation services in Bishkek.
