Tashkent city buses recorded 170,937 administrative protocols for fare evasion between October 2025 and 10 November 2026, according to the city’s Main Transport Department. The department said enforcement measures had been applied for violations identified during inspections, but the figures indicate that fare evasion on public transport remains a significant issue. The documents were drawn up under Part 5 of Article 144 of Uzbekistan’s Administrative Liability Code, which provides for a fine equal to one-tenth of the base calculation amount for passengers who fail to pay the fare. The inspections are part of efforts to regulate passenger flows on Tashkent buses and improve fare collection.
Key Takeaways: Between October 2025 and 10 November 2026, Tashkent bus inspectors issued 170,937 administrative protocols for fare evasion. Among those held liable, 22,929 passengers were fined two or more times: 17,327 twice, 4,033 three times, 1,099 four times, 461 between five and nine times, and 9 ten or more times. The current fine is one-tenth of the base calculation amount, or 44,000 soum.
Under the current rule, from 1 September passengers on Uzbekistan’s city buses must pay the fare when entering the passenger cabin. Otherwise, they are considered ticketless passengers and may face administrative liability. The requirement is aimed at strengthening payment discipline in public transport and creating a more transparent and orderly service environment for passengers. As Tashkent’s bus network continues to expand, systematic monitoring of fare evasion is becoming increasingly important.
The released statistics show that repeat offenders account for a notable share of enforcement cases. Among those held liable, 22,929 passengers were fined two or more times. Of these, 17,327 were fined twice, 4,033 three times, 1,099 four times, 461 between five and nine times, and 9 ten or more times. The breakdown suggests that fare evasion is not only a matter of isolated oversight but also reflects persistent non-compliance with payment rules among some passengers.
The current penalty is set under Part 5 of Article 144 of the Administrative Liability Code. A passenger who fails to pay the fare is subject to an administrative fine of one-tenth of the base calculation amount, equal to 44,000 soum. Each new violation may lead to another fine, meaning repeat cases are recorded through separate protocols and carry separate liability. Earlier, a proposal was put forward to increase the fine for bus fare evasion by five to ten times.
The figures published by the authorities suggest that monitoring will continue on a more regular basis and that fare accounting will be strengthened. At the same time, along with penalty measures, broader public information about payment rules and convenient payment options at bus entry remain important. The proposal to raise the fine by five to ten times is still a matter for further decisions and may require additional clarification for public transport users.
Source: www.gazeta.uz