The key facts

  • Until the end of 2027, a zero recycling fee rate is proposed on the import of new electric buses and Class III, category M3 buses meeting the Euro-5 standard or higher
  • From 1 September 2027, long-distance train passengers will be able to ride suburban trains free of charge within 12 hours before departure and 12 hours after arrival
  • Also planned are bike-sharing at major stops, separate bus queues at gas filling stations and staggered university class start times from the 2027–2028 academic year

A new draft strategy for passenger transport

The Ministry of Transport has presented a draft strategy for the comprehensive development of passenger transport across Uzbekistan up to 2030. This was reported by Spot.uz. The document includes a number of initiatives for urban public transport, some of which have specific deadlines and change the current rules.

Recycling fee: what is proposed and what applies now

Until the end of 2027, it is proposed to introduce a zero recycling fee rate on the import of all new electric buses and Class III, category M3 buses meeting the Euro-5 standard or higher. This would expand the current benefits: at present, the zero rate applies only to buses, electric buses and trolleybuses with a capacity of more than 60 passengers, and a separate benefit applies to the import of buses, minibuses and electric buses by tour operators. Thus, the exemption would also cover buses with a smaller capacity, which are currently not eligible for the benefit.

Commuter trains, bike-sharing and gas corridors

From 1 September 2027, it is planned to allow free rides on suburban trains for passengers of long-distance trains — within 12 hours before departure and 12 hours after arrival. By the same date, bike rental points are to appear next to major public transport stops, designed to cover the 'last mile' to the destination. The khokimiyats of Tashkent and the regions, together with the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy, will have to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply for buses, for which separate queues (corridors) will be organized at gas filling stations. From the beginning of the 2027–2028 academic year, it is proposed to stagger the start times of classes at universities in order to reduce the load on transport systems and distribute passenger flows.

Status of the initiatives

All the measures listed are proposals within the draft strategy, not adopted decisions: the document is under discussion, and its approval is not reported in the publication. Earlier, Spot wrote about the launch of the ElektroPoyezd app for buying tickets for commuter trains across Uzbekistan.