More public outcry as public transport fares go up in Yerevan

SOCIETY | 21.07.13 | 14:38

Photolure

Scores of young activists went around Yerevan on Saturday calling on
citizens not to pay more for commute as higher public transport fares
became effective in the capital.

Several activists were briefly detained by police for placing leaflets
on bus stops but were later released. They said they considered police
actions unlawful since they did not break any law and demanded
explanations.

Some passengers continued to pay 100 drams (about 25 cents) for
minibus rides despite the introduction of the new fare rate of 150
drams. Most of them complained about their social situation but some,
like the young activists, did so as a sign of protest, hoping that the
Mayor’s Office will eventually reconsider its decision.

Meanwhile, some drivers told media that beginning on Saturday they
would be paying more to route owners on a daily basis, while others
said they still had lax regulations in that regard and did not argue
with passengers paying 100 drams.

Meanwhile, another opposition group joined in the general outcry
against the decision, considering it to be the result of the absence
of free competition in the market.

`We consider it necessary to find a solution to this problem urgently
by creating conditions for real competition,’ said the Free Democrats
Party.

Earlier, the opposition Armenian National Congress party called the
rise in public transport fares unconstitutional, while the opposition
Barev Yerevan faction in the Yerevan Council of Elders questioned the
grounds for the rise, suggesting that a special meeting of the
municipal body be convened on the matter.

The city authorities have stood by their decision, insisting that the
rise in public transport fare rates is a necessary step and reflects
the need for further upgrades in the sector.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress