A plan is being developed in Uzbekistan for a complete abandonment of cash payments for travel on suburban passenger trains, as well as on routes of suburban and intercity buses, which is set to happen by 2030. In the future, passengers will have to use exclusively cashless payment methods.
This change is enshrined in the draft strategy for the development of passenger transport until 2030. According to this document, currently approximately 70% of passengers prefer to pay for travel with cash.
Furthermore, the project proposes providing a discount of at least 20% on electronic tickets for trips on suburban trains and buses starting from 2027. This benefit, according to the plan, should be valid until December 31, 2029. However, there are discrepancies in the project regarding the start date of the discount: the main text indicates January 1, 2027, while the action plan specifies March 1, 2027.
Another proposal concerns owners of electronic tickets for long-distance trains: they will be allowed to use suburban trains free of charge within the relevant region. This option will be available within 12 hours before the departure of the long-distance train specified in the ticket and within 12 hours after its arrival. It is planned that the procedure for providing this free travel will be developed and implemented before September 1, 2027.
It is important to note that all stated proposals are presented as a draft document, which is currently undergoing public discussion, so these measures have not yet received official approval and may be changed.