Unified Ticketing System Worries Drivers; Protests May Emerge, Says 'Jamanak'

'Jamanak' newspaper reports that Yerevan's public transport drivers are seriously concerned. The reason is the municipality's announcement regarding the introduction of a unified ticketing system and the public competition for selecting a financial operator. It turns out that after the implementation of this system, public transport drivers will come under tight scrutiny.

According to Hrant Yeghiazaryan, head of the transporters' union, it is possible that drivers will hold protests on this issue in the near future. 'If they install these devices, then drivers will come out of the 'black world' and enter the white field, they will start to work transparently. No, understand correctly, they are not thieves or bandits; they are people working hard to support their families,' he elaborated.

Yeghiazaryan pointed out that while the change in the system is commendable, the market shows different realities: 'I go home, my wife has different demands; I can’t afford it.' Furthermore, he highlighted that there is a significant shortage of drivers in the country, attributed to low wages. 'Years ago, I had two drivers for the same minibus; they worked in shifts, took breaks, and their lives were regulated because there was income. Now, there is no income. Those who could find jobs outside the country have left, while those who couldn't are still here working... It's sad, and the saddest part is that these authorities are lazy—one could score them a -3; they fail to grasp the subject,' he lamented.

For more details, refer to today's issue of the newspaper.