“When the fare was increased, we were promised that by the end of 2025 cash payments would be completely abolished. However, we do not see this promise being fulfilled. Moreover, a plan was established for drivers regarding cash collection, which ranges from three to four thousand soms per day depending on the route. These are not private carriers, and such a plan raises questions,” the MP noted.
He emphasized that the majority of the collected cash does not go to the city budget but remains with the drivers, which is an incorrect practice. “Drivers take cash from passengers, and this creates a conflict of interest. If we are moving towards a cashless system, then we either need to introduce payment control or accelerate the transition to cashless payments,” Ergeshov added.
Ruslan Isakov, representing the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure, assured that by 2026 all buses should switch to a cashless payment system.
The deputy also raised the issue of a shortage of public transport in some areas of the capital. “Private carriers do not adhere to schedules, do not reach the final stops, and the intervals between buses are too long. In addition, many areas have narrow roads, which complicates the movement of large buses,” he noted.
In response, Ruslan Isakov stated that in 2026 it is planned to purchase 625 units of 8-meter buses that will operate on new routes. The route schemes are already prepared, and their approval is expected in the next 10-15 days.
Thus, the issue of cashless payments and the development of public transport in Bishkek remains open and requires further consideration with the participation of the deputy mayor.
