Uzbek Economy Ministry, EBRD Discuss Public Transport Tariff Reform

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted a working meeting between officials from the Department of Financial Regulation and Pricing Policy in Public Utilities, Transport, and Communications and a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The central theme of the expert consultations was the comprehensive modernization of the urban public transport system and the adaptation of tariff policy to contemporary economic realities.

During the talks, specialized experts and the international financial institution discussed in detail the mechanisms for scaling the system of gross-cost contracts, a model under which revenue from ticket sales goes to the city budget and the carrier receives payment based on the mileage of completed work.

The participants paid special attention to reforming the tariff-pricing methodology for metro services.

The parties analyzed case studies from developed countries, highlighted key factors for increasing the operational efficiency of transport systems, and assessed the prospects for integrating these approaches into Uzbekistan's infrastructure.

Jan Jennings, an EBRD urban transport expert, presented specialized recommendations and practical tools during the session, sharing advanced international experience in passenger transport management.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue close interdepartmental cooperation.

The joint work will be aimed at the step-by-step introduction of international standards into the transport sector, the optimization of tariff plans, and the expansion of investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EBRD.