More than 3,500 people took part in an April 2019 survey on Yerevan’s public transport.
A third of respondents said they would accept higher fares in exchange for better service: Speaking in numbers, 16% would be comfortable with fares rising by half, and 14% would accept a doubling.
"Our survey shows people support the government in improving public transport — a difficult task that in many cases is followed by fare increases. Good public transport makes our environment healthier and contributes to economic growth. In modern European cities it is a top priority in urban development," says Patrik Lucan, founder of Transport for Armenia, the online journey planner that conducted the research.
What riders say needs fixing
Overcrowding and small vehicles
The most frequently cited issue, recognised by 77% of respondents, is low capacity. While many European cities run large buses and trams, Yerevan still relies heavily on ageing vans and mid-size buses carrying up to about 40 passengers. By comparison, Tbilisi’s main avenues are served by large buses with a capacity of around 82.
Turning to taxis
43 per cent said they use private taxis a few times a week because buses and minibuses are too full — a likely reason why many are already willing to pay more for better service.
Driver behaviour
About one in three respondents believe drivers should not smoke or make phone calls while driving. "Yerevan drivers are busier on the phone than call-centre operators. If they’re not calling, they’re smoking, right under a no-smoking sign. And nobody complains," says Vanda, a tourist from Germany.
Lack of night services
More than 30% of respondents miss late-night options. Between 23:30 and 6:30, the only alternative is a taxi. In Bratislava — a post-communist city with half Yerevan’s population — regular night buses were introduced 12 years ago. Between midnight and 4:00, hourly services carry people from the city centre, keeping fares low and reducing reliance on private cars and taxis.
Information gaps
Nearly 18% said they lack clear information on routes, timetables and fares. "We believe we provide a useful public service for commuters and visitors. Now that bus and train schedules are published on Transport for Armenia, public transport is more transparent and easier to use. This is our contribution to positive change in Armenia," says Patrik Lucan.
Illegal parking at stops
In well-managed cities, parking at bus stops is strictly prohibited and enforced. Although Yerevan has similar regulations, many taxi drivers ignore them. "We have to jump over taxis like kangaroos, and then buses stop in the middle of a busy road," says Ruben, a daily commuter between France Square and Nor Nork. He is among the 17% who say illegal parking makes boarding difficult and unsafe, and that violators should be fined.
About the survey
The survey was carried out by Transport for Armenia in April 2019 and received responses from more than 3,542 Yerevan residents.
About Transport for Armenia
Transport for Armenia is the country’s first online public-transport journey planner.
"A transport system can feel chaotic if you don’t have access to route and timetable information. We know there are many challenges, but our tool makes public transport easier to use and brings it closer to international standards," says Patrik Lucan, an entrepreneur from Slovakia who runs the start-up in Armenia. The journey planner is available in Armenian, English and Russian, and is free to use at t-armenia.com.