Tensions Rise in Front of Yerevan City Hall as Transport Fare Increase Proposal Faces Approval

The newspaper "Haykakan Zhamanak" reports that today the Yerevan City Council will be under significant tension as it discusses and is set to approve a controversial proposal to increase transport fares.

Despite previous public discontent that led city authorities to convey an impression of willingness to make concessions, the long-debated proposal will be submitted for approval today. The fare hikes are slated to take effect from September 1 of this year.

The specifics of the fare increases are complex. According to the proposal, the annual fare for transportation will be set at 90,000 AMD for a card system, and 88,000 AMD if one acquires an electronic carrier. For a monthly fare package, the cost will be 9,000 AMD; a one-day fare (for up to 8 rides) will be 900 AMD, and a weekly maximum of 30 rides will be priced at 5,000 AMD. Traveling for 90 minutes will cost 300 AMD, while 10 trips in 30 days will cost residents 2,200 AMD.

It is noteworthy that if a quorum is reached and the meeting proceeds, city authorities could pass this new proposal without any obstacles, which would see fares increase to between 150 and 300 AMD.

The opposition factions in Yerevan City Council are also preparing their responses. Isabella Abgaryan, the secretary of the "National Progress" faction, stated in an interview with "Haykakan Zhamanak" that they will attend the meeting, deliver speeches, and do everything possible to block the approval of the transport fare increase proposal.

Meanwhile, the "Public Voice" group has indicated they have made a decision regarding their stance, but they plan to keep it secret. Given their usual tactics, it is speculated that they will again support the quorum for the ruling party, enabling the authorities to pass their preferred proposal.

Representatives from the "Mother Armenia" faction mentioned that if other factions attend and ensure a quorum, they too will participate and speak out about the consequences of these fare increases for the citizens.

Moreover, a protest is planned to take place in front of the City Hall against the fare increase from 9:00 AM today.