Provincial centers across Uzbekistan are facing a critical shortage of at least 1,500 large and medium-capacity buses, president Shavkat Mirziyoyev state during the government meeting Thursday.
To address the deficit, a comprehensive support package was proposed to help private operators modernize their fleets. Key measures include expanding credit lines and extending the exemption from recycling fees on imported buses for another two years.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that transit upgrades must extend beyond densely populated hubs to reach provinces with high tourism potential. Specifically, he ordered the creation of master plans for "green transport" networks in Samarkand and Namangan, aligning with long-term goals to transform both into cities with populations exceeding one million.
Khiva has seen a particularly dramatic shift, with tourist numbers tripling in recent years and placing immense strain on local infrastructure. In response, the President called for dedicated public transport development programs in Khiva, as well as in Shahrisabz, Margilan, and Kokand.
Stressing that public transit is a cornerstone of quality of life, environmental health, and economic vitality, Shavkat Mirziyoyev set targets to expand route networks, improve safety, and integrate digital solutions, including AI-driven technologies.
As previously reported, the meeting also touched on transitioning urban transport to a greater city system. This includes expanding the "gross-cost contract" model to suburban routes within 12km of city limits. Under this system, carriers are paid based on mileage and service quality rather than ticket sales alone, ensuring reliable schedules for commuters.
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