Mirakbar Ikromov, head of the Tashkent City Transport Department, revealed in an interview with Gazeta.uz that out of over 1,700 buses operating in the capital, 191 are not equipped with air conditioning. These are old diesel buses manufactured in 2012-2013, and they are slated for gradual replacement.
According to Ikromov, in line with presidential directives, the city must phase out 50% of old diesel buses this year. By next summer, buses without air conditioning will be completely eliminated. Requirements for cooling and heating systems are being made mandatory under gross requirements and included in tender conditions.
When asked why some buses with air conditioning do not use it, Ikromov explained that there are several reasons. Some passengers complain that the bus is too cold and ask to turn off the AC, while others demand it be turned on. Finding a temperature that suits everyone is challenging.
Another reason is technical malfunctions. A state institution has been established under the transport department to monitor route quality, employing 50 inspectors. They identify buses with non-functional air conditioners and assess service quality. If necessary, the bus is returned to the garage and only re-enters service after the fault is fixed.
Ikromov also addressed fuel consumption, noting that each bus is supplied with fuel according to its daily route, and consumption depends on heat and driver experience. Currently, 300-400 buses run on diesel, others on gas, and 528 on electricity. By the end of the year, 240 new buses are planned to be delivered, with 200 purchased by Toshshahartranskhizmat and 40 by private entrepreneurs.
It is worth recalling that in 2026, air conditioners in Tashkent buses were turned on starting May 7. The company assured that buses with faulty AC units would not be sent on routes. They promised to quickly fix any issues and conduct unscheduled briefings for drivers. Toshshahartranskhizmat stated that every passenger complaint would be reviewed promptly and apologized for temporary inconveniences.
Notably, until 2018, buses in the capital did not have air conditioning. Now all new vehicles are equipped with cooling systems.
Source: www.gazeta.uz