During the Council of Elders meeting on Tuesday, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan announced that the unified ticketing system for public transport would be operational by January 1, 2025. Initially, the system was planned to be launched by September 1, 2024.
However, the timeline was extended due to the need to incorporate 171 new buses and 15 trolleybuses, as noted by the mayor.
"With the launch of the new system, all previously identified gaps will be addressed, and cash payments will no longer be used," Avinyan said, adding that the new vehicles are expected to arrive in October, necessitating the delay in the system's rollout.
"An additional 1-2 months will allow for the necessary program adjustments to ensure the system operates flawlessly by the new deadline," he explained.
A pilot project for the unified ticketing system was implemented in September 2023. Currently, special equipment is being installed in buses, trolleybuses, and the metro. Mayor Avinyan assured that the system would be fully ready for operation by January 1, 2025.
Previously, on May 27, during a Council of Elders meeting, the allocation of funds necessary for the acquisition of 171 buses was announced, with delivery to Yerevan scheduled within the specified timeframe.
Mayor Avinyan also discussed the procurement process for 18-meter buses.