Uzbekistan Extends Zero Recycling Fee for Bus Imports

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan's Cabinet of Ministers has extended a zero recycling fee on imports of new buses, electric buses and trolleybuses until 31 December 2027 as part of a broader package of measures aimed at improving urban public transport services.

The decision was approved on 3 June under a government resolution designed to enhance the quality of passenger transportation, improve integration between different modes of transport and increase fare collection efficiency.

Under the resolution, the zero-rate recycling fee will continue to apply to imported buses, electric buses and trolleybuses with a capacity of at least 60 passengers that meet Euro-5 or higher environmental standards. The measure is intended to support the renewal of public transport fleets and the development of urban and suburban bus services.

The document also introduces a new fare payment system for bus routes operating under gross contracts and equipped with validators. Beginning on 1 September 2026, passengers on these routes will be required to pay when exiting the vehicle.

Passengers will be able to use contactless transport cards, bank cards, smartphones supporting NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy or UWB technologies, QR codes, biometric solutions and other modern payment methods.

Citizens eligible for discounted or free travel will use social transport cards. Passengers who fail to confirm payment or eligibility through one of the approved methods will be considered to be travelling without a valid ticket.

The resolution additionally instructs authorities to integrate public transport and suburban electric train payment systems in Tashkent by 1 September and introduce combined fare options under "train-bus" and "train-metro" schemes.

Under the new rules, bus routes extending up to five kilometres beyond city boundaries will be classified as urban routes. In specific cases предусмотренных transport infrastructure master plans, suburban routes extending up to 12 kilometres outside city limits may also be designated as urban services.