Azerbaijan will install card payment system in public transport buses in Baku from March 1, 2015.
“All necessary measures are being implemented,” said Musa Panahov, Deputy Transport Minister.
The deputy said that the Ministry is working hard to complete to issue plastic public transport cards till March 1.
“I can confidently say that the implementation of the e-payment system will be finished before the European Olympic Games scheduled for 2015 in Baku,” Panahov said.
He added that these cards further will also be used in subway, catering and taxi.
“Besides the transport cards, travel payment will also be possible via bank cards. In this regard, the work is underway,” he noted.
Panakhov also spoke about the travel cost in public transport buses. He said that transition to the new card system or purchase of new buses will not affect the cost of travel payment.
“The issue of the growth in the travel payment is usually among the most asked questions. However, this issue has not been raised yet,” he stated.
Transition to the single card payment system was forecasted in Baku from May 2013, but was repeatedly delayed.
The card payment system is being implemented within an intellectual transport management (ITM) system, which was launched in December 2011. The ITM system costs more than $95 million. After full commissioning, it will be controlled from a center in Baku.
Panahov further said the Ministry intends to tighten the fight against public transport buses’ drivers to ensure the safety of passengers.
He said that the issue of safety of public transport passengers is very important. To this end, the Ministry implements some measures regularly. However, the goal of complete prevention of road accidents at all has not been achieved yet.
The deputy added that those public transport drivers, who violate the laws, are strictly punished. For the last years, 17-18 bus drivers have been fired.
Panakhov stated that in order to increase the quality of services in public transport, a campaign called Baku Bus has been already established.
Baku Bus campaign was founded by the Baku Executive Power. Some 150 Crealis CNG branded buses were purchased from French “Iveco” company, which meet the latest environmental standards (Euro 6). Working via gas, they are also provided with GPS system.
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