ArmeniaSocial

Public Transportation in Yerevan Compared to European Countries

Public transportation ticketing systems around the world vary significantly in design and accessibility.

One of the earliest examples comes from Germany. In the early 20th century, German cities introduced a ticketing system allowing passengers to use a single ticket across different types of transportation, like trams, buses, and trains.

In 2012, Austria’s capital Vienna implemented a system to encourage public transport use, offering an annual subscription for 365 euros, allowing unlimited rides at just 1 euro per day. The ticket is more affordable for senior citizens.

In 2013, Estonia introduced a free public transport system in its capital, Tallinn, later expanding this to other areas of the country.

In Yerevan, a unified ticketing system for public transportation is set to be fully operational by 2025. Previously, the city council introduced a project offering different fare packages (single-ride, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual). This new system proposes unlimited travel for one month at 8800 AMD, three months at 23,600 AMD, and one year at 88,000 AMD, with discounts for students and specific groups.

As of January 1, 2024, 171 buses have been deemed unfit for use in Yerevan for various reasons.

Yerevan’s city council reported that these unfit buses are relocated to a depot and auctioned through “Yerevan Commodity Exchange” LLC.

In several European cities, unfit buses are repurposed as mobile service centers, such as mobile libraries, providing essential services to underserved or remote communities, thus extending the lifespan of transport vehicles.

In Berlin, unfit city buses are transformed into cafes, and in the Netherlands, some artists have converted buses into art galleries showcasing their work.

In several European countries, some social groups enjoy free access to public transportation. This initiative is part of a social welfare strategy aimed at ensuring mobility for vulnerable populations.

In Berlin, children under six travel free of charge, and students benefit from discounted monthly and annual packages.

In Austria, seniors above a certain age (usually 65–70) can travel for free during specific hours.

In the UK, people with disabilities are granted free or discounted transport, and in Paris, their companions can also use public transportation for free.

In Yerevan, public transportation is free for heroes, award recipients, individuals under full state care, parents with five or more children, persons with disabilities of the first and second groups, and the repressed.

As of September 2024, 851 buses serve over 1 million registered and unregistered residents in Yerevan.

Shushan Asryan