Public transport fares likely to go up
The recent hike in gas prices may lead to the rise in public transport fares.
"Everything depends on gas and fuel tariffs. I cannot say anything definite at this moment. Only after calculations we shall be able to determine the new prices," said Henrik Navasardyan, Head of the Department of Transportation at Yerevan Municipality.
The official is hopeful that the increased transport fares will not stir up public clamour as people will understand that the increase was reasonable.
At the same time, the municipality official hurries to comfort everyone that metro fares will not go up in the near future.
To participate in the tender for urban public transport, entities submit new tariffs [for a definite route] in a closed envelope. Mr Navasardyan says the law allows proposing new tariffs in each competition.
Minister of Transport and Communications Gagik Beglaryan did not tell anything new about the expected rise in transport fares either.
"After we have the results of calculations, I shall do everything to minimize the price increase," he said.
The metro fare in Yerevan was doubled in 2011 and now is 100 drams. Today Yerevan citizens pay AMD 100 for a bus and minibus ride in the capital. Cabmen also charge AMD 100 per kilometer.
