Yerevan

Yerevan’s Transport Unified Ticketing System Under Scrutiny: Accessibility and Technical Challenges

public transport unified system

The public transport unified ticketing system introduced by Yerevan Municipality, intended to modernize and digitize public transport services, has faced a number of challenges since its implementation. While the system promises to enhance efficiency, it remains far from achieving its full potential.

One of the most glaring issues is accessibility. Despite offering four payment methods—transport card, QR code, mobile app, and bank card—each comes with its own set of limitations. Transport cards, for instance, are only available at specific locations, making them difficult to access for residents of suburban areas. Moreover, the activation process for these cards can take up to three hours, delaying their usability and causing inconvenience for users.

Bank card payments have also proven to be problematic. Only cards with NFC functionality are compatible, leaving out American Express and МИР cards. This limitation excludes not only local users but also tourists who may rely on international banking systems.

Another issue pertains to groups eligible for benefits. Although the municipality claims that individuals can register or visit relevant offices to access benefits, incomplete digital databases have complicated the process. For instance, students must wait until January 20 for the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports to finalize the database. This raises questions about why the system was launched before preparatory work was completed.

Technical malfunctions have further exacerbated user dissatisfaction. QR code scanning failures on public transport, along with disruptions in bank card and mobile app functionalities, have been common complaints. These issues not only create inconvenience but also undermine the reliability of the public transport system.

A lack of clear communication has also contributed to the system’s struggles. Many citizens are unaware of where and how to obtain transport cards, access benefits, or resolve technical issues. This lack of information has led to an overwhelming number of calls to the municipality’s 1-05 hotline, indicating the system’s operational inefficiencies.

While the unified ticketing system is an important step toward modernization, it highlights the risks of implementing initiatives without thorough planning and preparation. Yerevan Municipality must urgently address technical malfunctions, expand card accessibility, and establish a clearer communication framework. Without these improvements, the project risks being perceived as an incomplete initiative that not only fails to achieve its goals but also adds unnecessary complications for the public.

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