New Microbuses to Appear on Yerevan Streets by January End

The first batch of 100 small-capacity buses purchased with the Yerevan city budget will be operational by the end of January. Yerevan Mayor's spokesperson Hakob Karapetyan shared this information in a conversation with Armenpress.

"These routes are those that previously operated, were quite active and busy, but for various reasons began to be discontinued by private operators. These routes will function with certain changes. Preparatory work is currently underway; the buses are being equipped with GPS systems and cameras, and external design is also being finalized," noted Karapetyan.

In response to a question about drivers, the mayor's spokesperson emphasized that they will wear uniforms, and the design is already being made. Karapetyan stated that there will be three routes, and the exact date of their launch will be announced soon as administrative procedures are being finalized.

The first route will serve the area from the Charbakh neighborhood in the Shengavit administrative district to the Tsarav Aghbyur neighborhood in the Avan administrative district. The second will connect the southwestern neighborhood with the area adjacent to the 8th hospital located in the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district. "The section from HAT to the 8th hospital is a well-known route that students frequently use. The third line will connect the 'Khopan' neighborhood in the Ajapnyak administrative district with the Norq Marash administrative district. These three lines will be interconnected through the Central administrative district," Karapetyan added.

He also mentioned that of the already imported 100 buses, 40 will be in the second batch, and another 30 will be in the third. According to the mayor's spokesperson, they are expected to start operating in the coming 1-2 months.

The spokesperson also emphasized that the purchase process for 160 medium-class buses (8.5 meters long) is in a competitive stage, and there is a possibility that this number may increase. Additionally, a process is underway for acquiring 112-meter long buses funded by the EBRD, which was not completed in 2020.

Karapetyan noted that there would be no change in fares initially; the payment method will remain unchanged for the time being. "As people have been paying 100 drams and traveling, this will continue in the initial phase. After some time, an electronic unified payment system will be established," stated Karapetyan.

The city-owned Yerevan Bus LLC is recruiting drivers with category 'D' licenses and relevant experience. According to Karapetyan, drivers working in the new transport system should have an appropriate appearance and other necessary skills to serve passengers.