Daily public transportation in Bishkek relies on a large fleet, with estimates showing that 1,050 to 1,100 buses are deployed on routes every day. According to information shared by Maksat Zhumabaev, Deputy Director of the Department of Transport and Road Transport Infrastructure of the Bishkek City administration, the municipal enterprise "Bishkek City Transport" services 95–96% of the total public transport volume.
Current Fleet Status and Service Improvements
The municipal enterprise currently has access to over 1,400 buses, from which approximately 1,100 units are used daily to serve the city's residents. While private companies also operate passenger services in Bishkek, their contribution to the overall transport volume is noted as relatively small.
System Enhancements for Passengers
Improvements have been made to the city's public transport system, including the introduction of a payment system. This new system allows passengers to transfer between different buses. For instance, users with a "Tulpar" card can transfer to another bus for free within one hour to reach their final destination.
Furthermore, the shift to cashless payment methods has reportedly eased the workload for drivers and reduced the influence of human error, as drivers are no longer responsible for collecting fares.
Operational Context
The expansion of Bishkek's territory due to administrative-territorial reform has necessitated preparations. Consequently, proposals are being developed for purchasing additional buses, and related work is underway to ensure adequate public transport coverage for the newly incorporated areas.
