Starting February 1, public transportation fares in Yerevan will increase dramatically, placing significant financial strain on the city’s residents. The decision to raise fares from 100 AMD to 300 AMD has sparked widespread concern and criticism. A threefold increase in fares makes Yerevan one of the most expensive cities in the CIS region for public transportation, according to a comparative analysis of fares across major cities in the region and Europe.
The fare hike is expected to hit socially vulnerable groups the hardest, including pensioners, schoolchildren, and students. Many believe this decision will exacerbate the financial struggles of these groups, who rely heavily on affordable public transport for daily commuting. In response, a wave of protests appears inevitable.
Opposition political forces in the Yerevan City Council have already called on citizens to prepare for a boycott. While their proposed approaches vary, the central goal remains unchanged: to halt the fare increase. Former Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan has urged citizens to continue paying the current 100 AMD fare directly to drivers in cash. Meanwhile, members of the “Mother Armenia” faction advocate for a total boycott by refusing to pay fares altogether.
Starting January 1, 2025, Yerevan’s public transport fares will increase by 1.5 to 3 times, straining low-income citizens, students, and pensioners. While a 1-day ticket costs 880 drams, an annual pass now requires 88,000 drams—about $220—far exceeding the affordability for many,… pic.twitter.com/5nmZ7JbRKi
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) November 6, 2024
To address the mounting public backlash, the ruling political party and its ally, the “Republic” faction, have proposed amendments to the transportation reform packages. However, these proposals are widely seen as superficial and unlikely to alleviate the social and financial burden on residents. Critics argue that the measures fail to address the root cause of public discontent and do little to justify the fare hike.
Adding to the controversy is the lack of clarity surrounding the involvement of LLC “Telcell” in the fare collection process. To date, the Central Bank of Armenia has not provided a definitive answer on whether the company is authorized to sell public transportation tickets. This uncertainty further undermines public confidence in the transparency and legality of the fare increase.
Yerevan’s recent overhaul of its public transportation system has raised serious concerns. What was marketed as an upgrade to the city’s transit infrastructure is now seen by many as a disruptive and potentially exploitative move. On November 1, Yerevan Municipality introduced… pic.twitter.com/Yqj1gVauIw
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) November 10, 2024
Yerevan’s transportation overhaul has been framed as a step toward modernization, yet comparisons with other cities in the CIS and Europe suggest otherwise. Despite the proposed improvements, the quality of service in Yerevan’s public transportation system still lags behind its counterparts, making the fare hike appear disproportionate and unjustified.
The impending fare increase has ignited a fierce debate about the future of public transportation in Yerevan. While authorities argue that the reform is necessary for modernization, the public’s dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency, the social impact, and the poor quality of service remains unaddressed. With protests on the horizon and opposition forces rallying for action, the coming weeks will likely reveal whether this controversial decision can withstand public pressure.
