The Ministry of Transport plans to transition to a fully electronic payment system for bus fares in Tashkent by 2025. This was announced by the head of the ministry, Ilkhom Makhkamov.
In a conversation with journalists during the Week of International Initiatives on October 18, the official discussed plans to introduce tickets with QR codes for the capital's ground transportation. A similar method is currently used by the metro system.
“Starting January 1, 2025, cash payments will no longer be accepted on buses. There will be options to purchase tickets or QR codes [electronic tickets] at bus stops. Info kiosks will be installed at most stops,” Makhkamov stated.
Special devices will be installed in all buses for reading tickets. The minister emphasized that the need for conductors will be eliminated after the new system is implemented.
Additionally, the minister addressed the topic of reintroducing trams to the capital. The relevant project is currently under development, but it requires addressing funding and infrastructure issues.
When asked about the routes of the new trams, Makhkamov replied that they would be presented “with the start of the project’s implementation.”
The ATTO system was launched in Tashkent in 2020. In February of this year, payment acceptance from transport and bank cards was introduced on electric trains connecting the capital with cities in the Tashkent region.
In May, all points of sale for transport cards in Tashkent were closed. Now, tickets can be purchased and topped up at UzPost branches, where tariffs can also be arranged for periods ranging from one to 365 days.
In August, ATTO signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Kyrgyz payment system Tulpar. After the systems are integrated, citizens of Uzbekistan will be able to pay for trips in Bishkek using ATTO cards.
Earlier, Spot reported that there are plans to purchase 1,000 new buses for the Tashkent region.