Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Consumer Rights Protection Committee has conducted a selective inspection of bus stop infrastructure across Uzbekistan, covering more than 2,800 stops nationwide.

The large-scale review was prompted by numerous public complaints about the poor condition of bus stops and the lack of basic amenities for passengers.

The inspection revealed widespread violations.

At 286 stops, waiting areas lacked protective barriers on three sides, leaving passengers exposed to heat and cold. In 210 cases, unauthorized retail outlets had been set up inside the shelters. Some 387 stops were found to lack ramps for people with disabilities, while 412 were not equipped with electric lighting.

In 57 instances, there were no shelters at all to protect passengers during inclement weather. Additionally, 156 stops had no signage indicating their name, and 255 stops did not display route information, making navigation difficult for riders.

The inspection concluded that the majority of stops do not comply with existing regulations. According to the official standards, waiting areas must be enclosed on at least three sides and equipped with lighting, access ramps, benches (at least one per 10 square meters), waste bins, and clear signage.

The installation of retail outlets and advertisements within the shelters is prohibited. Suburban bus stops are also required to have paved platforms, pedestrian paths, shelters, and signage indicating routes and directions.

The Committee has issued official directives to the Ministry of Transport, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and regional administrations, urging them to eliminate the identified shortcomings and bring all bus stops into compliance with regulatory standards.