Tashkent city authorities have announced the successful auctioning of 460 bus stops to private entrepreneurs as part of a comprehensive modernization program. Deputy Mayor Abdurakhmon Bakhtiev confirmed during a press conference on March 12 that these facilities have been leased for a six-year term. To ensure the project remains financially viable for investors, the city grouped the stops into large lots rather than auctioning them individually. This approach balances prime locations with less commercially attractive ones, allowing businesses to recoup their investments primarily through advertising opportunities.
Addressing concerns regarding the removal of shops from existing bus stops, the Deputy Mayor emphasized that the city's primary focus is on improving public transport efficiency rather than maintaining retail spaces at transit points. Officials noted that the goal is to reduce bus waiting times significantly, moving away from the reliance on comfortable, shop-filled stops that encourage long waits. While the new designs prioritize an open-air concept, they are still intended to provide essential protection from rain, snow, and direct sunlight, ensuring basic comfort for commuters.
The modernization project comes with strict requirements for the winning bidders. Entrepreneurs are mandated to install security cameras, emergency SOS buttons, and proper lighting systems to enhance passenger safety. Furthermore, the new infrastructure must be fully accessible, requiring the installation of specialized tactile paving and ramps to accommodate individuals with disabilities. By shifting the maintenance and operational responsibilities to the private sector, the city aims to create a more sustainable and safer transit environment for all residents.
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