VIDEO: Public transport can be free for 3-5 years, we speak of money. Mnatsakanyan

The voice of citizens has never been heard. The transport sector is the most delicate area, and pilot projects should have been implemented. This was stated today by Viktor Mnatsakanyan, the former head of Yerevan's Central Administrative District, during a protest in front of the Yerevan Municipality regarding the initiative to increase transport fares.

“They are merely worsening public transport because this model will not work, just as the increase of red lines did not work in the Center. The streets in the Center have not been relieved of traffic, only during certain hours in certain streets have we seen this happen. In the Center, we have hundreds of yards that have no opportunity to park cars in the yards,” he said.

According to Viktor Mnatsakanyan, the city authorities have not thought about the development of cycling lanes. Moreover, he noted that significant urban development is taking place on Arshakunyats Avenue: “Arshakunyats Avenue is already congested; if those buildings are put into operation, the avenue will come to a total standstill.”

When asked whether it is possible to have quality and normal transport in Yerevan without increasing fares, he replied, “I would have difficulty answering regarding quality; it probably won’t get better. I have a strong internal conviction that Yerevan’s transport could be free for at least 3-5 years, and we are talking about where to find the money, but these people definitely need to dig into citizens' pockets. Let alone that we have taken billions in loans on our shoulders, which will be repaid by our children.”

It should be noted that the question of increasing transport fares will be discussed at the Yerevan City Council meeting today. The revised draft of the unified ticketing system envisions that the "90-minute" ticket will cost 280-300 drams for 3 trips (valid for single use on each transport vehicle), a one-day ticket will be 880-900 drams for 8 trips (valid for single use on each transport vehicle), a seven-day ticket will be 8400-5000 drams for 30 trips (valid for single use on each transport vehicle), and a thirty-day ticket will cost 8800-9000 drams for unlimited travel. Additionally, a 90-day ticket will be available for 23,600-24,000 drams for unlimited travel, and an annual ticket will cost 88,000-90,000 drams for unlimited travel, while a "Multiple Use" ticket will cost 2100-2200 drams for 10 trips within one month. Citizens purchasing any package can utilize all forms of public transport. Discounts will be applied for students, social groups, or other specialized groups. The decision will take effect on September 1.