Today, our capital city has over 50 neighborhoods and more than 400 streets, with 8 of these being major ones. Naturally, as in large metropolitan areas, the population of the capital is increasing, and so is the number of visitors coming from all corners of the world. Along with modern services, wide and well-maintained streets, job opportunities, and recreational areas, the need for public transportation is also growing.

It is no secret that a large portion of the city’s residents and visitors rely on public transportation. Consequently, efforts are underway to improve the public transport system. For example, above-ground metro lines are being constructed, and the number of buses is increasing. The development of modern transport stations is also progressing steadily.

In November 2023, the construction of “smart” bus stops was announced as a pilot project. This includes the renovation of roads on Bobur and Furqat streets, optimizing traffic flow, and the introduction of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). These bus stops are designed to include not just physical structures, but also ATMs, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, electronic boards showing routes and bus arrival times, surveillance cameras, trash bins, and mobile device chargers. Additionally, the stops must be equipped with ramps for people with disabilities.

Currently, there are over 2,000 bus stops in Tashkent, many of which do not meet the necessary standards. The size, length, and placement of these stops are another significant issue that needs to be addressed.

First Issue: Many bus stops in crowded areas have been converted into various commercial and service outlets.

Second Issue: There is very little space for passengers at the stops. In summer, they have to stand in the heat, and in winter, they have to endure the cold outside.

Third Issue: Although there are standards for equipping bus stops based on the type of roadway, these are not always followed. For example, there should be designated areas for boarding and alighting, waiting areas, crosswalks, widened road sections for buses, demarcation lines, pedestrian pathways, pedestrian crossings, bus shelters, seating, trash bins, and lighting equipment.

Fourth Issue: There are no facilities at many bus stops for people with physical disabilities, making it difficult for them to access public transport. During our visits to various streets in Yunusabad, Mirabad, Yakksaroy, Sergeli, and Shaykhontohur districts, we observed that at many stops, wheelchair users cannot access the shelters, and the gradients do not meet the required standards.

Bus stops are subject to specific requirements when assigned to entrepreneurs. They must be maintained, kept clean, and provide essential services to people.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 482, local authorities and road agencies are required to ensure that bus stops and their surroundings are illuminated during nighttime in cities and populated areas. This rule is implemented in central areas but is often not observed in more remote stops. Proper illumination is crucial for ensuring safety during nighttime. Many bus stops still adhere to outdated standards and are inadequate, especially during rainy weather when people cannot fit under the shelters.

We observed the following issues:

• The bus stop on Bogishamol Street in Yunusabad district is entirely occupied by an entrepreneur.
• The “Shivli Street” stop at the intersection of Chingiz Aytmatov and Shivli Streets has been both occupied by an entrepreneur and demolished without permission.
• Similarly, the second stop at the same location is also under the control of entrepreneurs, despite a presidential decree allowing only advertising tools, ATMs, and vending machines for food products.

We encountered similar issues on streets like Shota Rustaveli, Bobur, Nukus, Amir Temur, Shahrihsabz, Khurshid, and Sharof Rashidov. Bus stops are often converted into commercial outlets and eateries, are poorly maintained, and lack accessibility features for people with disabilities. They also do not offer protection from environmental factors, making them appear neglected.

Drivers mentioned that the small size of the stops often leads to difficulties when two buses arrive simultaneously, as there is not enough space for them to stop. Some bus stops have been converted into parking areas, which affects traffic safety. Modern buses longer than 15 meters face particular challenges, as many stops do not accommodate their length.

Zilola UBAIDULLAEVA