The key facts
- A discount of at least 20% on electronic tickets for suburban trains and buses — from 2027 to 31 December 2029
- From 1 January 2030, fare payment on suburban trains and buses will become fully cashless
- Long-distance train passengers will receive 12 hours of free suburban train travel before and after their trip — the mechanism must be implemented by 1 September 2027
What the draft provides for
Uzbekistan is preparing to introduce a number of benefits and innovations in rail and bus transport aimed at encouraging electronic payments. They are set out in a published draft presidential resolution, as reported by Gazeta.uz.
Discounts and the switch to cashless payment
Under the draft, from 2027 until 31 December 2029, passengers buying electronic tickets for suburban passenger trains, as well as for suburban and intercity bus routes, will receive a discount of at least 20%. The measure is aimed at encouraging the use of electronic payment systems and reducing the share of the shadow economy.
Going cash-free and free travel
From 1 January 2030, fare payment on suburban trains and on suburban and intercity bus routes will become fully cashless: payments will be moved to a system operating exclusively in cashless form.
Free travel for long-distance train passengers
Passengers who have bought an electronic ticket for a long-distance train will be able to use suburban trains free of charge in the relevant region for 12 hours before the departure time indicated on the ticket and for 12 hours after arriving at their destination. This procedure is to be developed and implemented by 1 September 2027.
Context
It was previously reportedthat the document also provides for the construction of new lines connecting the new Tashkent airport with the Tashkent-Severny railway station, as well as the Urgench and Bukhara airports with railway stations. Since this concerns a draft resolution, the listed measures have not yet been adopted: the timelines and conditions may change when the document is approved.
