Economists warn: Restrictions won't kill taxis, they will destroy trust

Economist Behzod Khoshimov's critical comments have become a hot topic of public discussion. According to him, the current restrictions on inter-regional traffic and new regulations aimed at drivers' activities raise fundamental and deep questions in society.

The proposal to restrict the activities of drivers from the region under the pretext of combating traffic jams in Tashkent was assessed by the expert as a wrong and ineffective solution.

"The problem is in demand, not supply," says the economist. Too many citizens in Tashkent travel by private car. In the current situation, the right solutions could be to invest in public transport, organize paid parking lots in city centers, or charge for travel at certain times. However, instead of this, restricting the right to work based on which region you are from is completely contrary to the criteria of a democratic society.

Looking at international experience: As a result of the number-based movement regime implemented in South America, the population bought twice as many cars - the problem has not been solved, but rather intensified.

At the same time, the issue can turn into not only economic, but also legal and legal violations. Because according to the Constitution, a citizen of Uzbekistan has the right to move, work and live freely within the country. Impeding work based on regional affiliation directly contradicts human rights.

Behzod Khoshimov offers another interesting thought experiment to explain the illogicality of such restrictions: Can a person who believes that “a driver from Kashkadarya should not work in Tashkent” also accept the statement that “a driver from Yunusabad cannot work in Sergeli”? Of course not. But there is no difference between them - both are citizens living in Uzbekistan.

Conclusion: Separating people within one state based on their origin and restricting their ability to work is against the principles of freedom. As in the case of New York and New Jersey, citizens of the state should have the right to work freely in their own country.