Bishkek – Bishkek’s Vice Mayor Maksatbek Sazykulov announced at a Bishkek City Council meeting that a new system for counting passengers has been installed in almost all city buses. The system aims to prevent drivers from concealing fare revenues. Sazykulov noted a significant increase in non-cash fare transactions, from 9,700 daily to 235,000.

According to 24.kg News Agency, He also mentioned that there were proposals for a differentiated fare system, with a higher fare for cash payments to accommodate infrequent riders. This suggestion has led to debate among city officials. City Council Deputy Kazybek Ergeshov criticized the move, arguing that it puts undue pressure on Bishkek residents and could potentially lead to corruption. He advocated for a complete transition to non-cash payments to eliminate driver-passenger cash interactions.

Commission Chairman Rysbek Amatov expressed concern that higher cash fares for buses and trolleybuses could drive passengers towards private minibuses, which would maintain lower fares. A draft resolution proposing the differentiated tariff system is under consideration by the Bishkek City Council and has been posted for public discussion.