Early this morning, Yerevan bus drivers went on strike, demanding higher wages. In response, the Yerevan Municipality announced the dismissal of 18 drivers, citing a loss of trust and material damage caused by the strike. However, one of the drivers claimed in an interview that 35 drivers were actually dismissed. Former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan criticized the city’s actions, calling the dismissals unlawful and a violation of the drivers’ constitutional right to strike. “The so-called ‘bastion of democracy’ is threatening workers and pursuing criminal charges against them for exercising their rights,” Tatoyan said.
Adding to the controversy is the city’s decision to raise public transportation fares by 1.5 to 3 times starting January 1, 2025, making it increasingly difficult for the average citizen to afford daily commutes. The new fare structure introduces several payment tiers for all modes of transportation, but many residents worry this will add financial strain on a population already struggling with low wages and inflation.
These changes come as Yerevan’s public transportation system transitions to a cashless, unified ticketing system. QR code payments were introduced on November 1, followed by bank card payments on December 2, while cash payments remain limited to 100-dram coins. Previously, passengers paid fares directly to drivers in cash—a system criticized by the municipality for its lack of transparency.
Municipality spokesperson Hayk Kostanyan stated that the new system has significantly reduced undeclared revenue. He noted that since implementing QR code payments, public transportation revenue has surged by 5 million drams (over $12,000) daily, even without an increase in passenger numbers. Deputy Mayor Suren Grigoryan emphasized that funds that previously “disappeared into various pockets, including those of some drivers,” are now directed to the city budget.
Despite these claimed improvements, many citizens feel that the transition has created more problems than it solved. The cashless system has introduced inconveniences, particularly for those who struggle with technology or lack access to QR payments, while the fare hikes are seen as disproportionately burdening the city’s working class.
Drivers’ representatives argue that their demands for better wages and working conditions are justified, especially given the municipality’s acknowledgment of increased revenue. However, Kostanyan dismissed their demands as “illogical” and accused some drivers of resorting to “blackmail.”
Critics of the reforms argue that they prioritize profit over accessibility, with the fare hikes set to exacerbate economic challenges for everyday commuters. Combined with the dismissal of striking drivers and limited payment options, the public transportation overhaul has left many Yerevan residents feeling excluded from the decision-making process in a system they rely on daily.
