Tashkent universities to start classes at 8 a.m. to ease traffic

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Universities in Tashkent will begin first-shift classes at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. from the new academic year as part of measures to reduce traffic congestion on the capital’s roads during the morning peak, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport said.

According to the ministry, about 5.2 million vehicle trips are made each day along 470 km of the capital’s main transport arteries. A significant share of these trips takes place during the morning rush hour, contributing to congestion.

Student travel is among the factors adding to the transport burden. About 500,000 people study at 93 higher education institutions in Tashkent. The authorities have therefore decided to change the start time for first-shift classes.

The Ministry of Transport said moving the start of classes to 8 a.m. would shift some student-related trips outside the busiest period. When classes began at 9 a.m., about 44,000 vehicles were recorded during the 8 a.m. peak. Under the new schedule, the student-related traffic load is expected to shift to 7 a.m.

The ministry expects the change in class times to contribute to more efficient management of traffic flows in the capital. The measure is also intended to reduce pressure on road infrastructure during the morning and evening rush hours and improve the movement of vehicles.