Tashkent to receive $40M grant for smart buses and BRT lanes

Tashkent will soon see the arrival of modern rapid buses and a dedicated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lane system, reports UPL.uz.
During a meeting on May 26, 2025, between Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport and South Korean officials, Korea pledged a $40 million grant to support these developments.

Experts from Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport presented a multi-stage plan to enhance Tashkent’s public transportation.
Key initiatives include “smart” buses (2026–2029), overseen by ICAK, and the launch of BRT routes from 2027 to 2032.

The BRT system, with dedicated lanes, will reduce commute times and improve convenience.
The grant will fund technology implementation, though exact fund allocation details remain undisclosed.

Previously, in 2022, the Ministry launched a $3.87M green transport project with UNDP backing, including reconstruction of Shota Rustaveli Street and bus lanes.

South Korea also offered expertise in digital transit systems — including traffic control, e-ticketing, and more.
The BRT concept first launched in Curitiba, Brazil, in 1974 and is now one of the world’s most efficient transit models.