A delegation from Uzbekistan visited Perm to explore the city's transport system

Photo by Vitaliy Cocksharov

According to the Mayor of Perm Aleksey Demkin, Perm's transport industry is constantly being improved, taking a leading position in Russia's transport system rankings. Colleagues from the neighbouring country plan to adopt some of Perm's best practices in this sphere

A delegation from Uzbekistan visited Perm. The purpose of the visit was to study  public transport and the parking payment system.

"The interest in Perm is logical; our city regularly takes the lead in various transport system rankings. This is the result of systematic work by the city and regional authorities. The work on gross contracts has been of particular interest, as colleagues from Uzbekistan are also starting to switch to this system, as well as cashless fare payment. I am sure that our experience will be useful, and we, in turn, are always open for cooperation," said Aleksey Demkin.

At the working meeting the guests got acquainted with the work of the municipal bus enterprise MUP Permgorelektrotrans. The municipal company owns a fleet of 154 buses. All of them are brand new, equipped with climate control systems, media panels and validators for self-payment of fares as well as access for people with limited mobility. To date, the company operates 7 bus routes. In the near future, two more routes will be added to them.

The municipal carrier is not only a guarantee of the stability of the transport system but also a reliable employer. The company offers formal employment and a social package, as well as accommodation for non-resident employees. Now, due to the expansion of the fleet, the company is actively recruiting new drivers.

In addition, the Uzbek colleagues have visited the tram depot Balatovo, which will soon undergo a global upgrade. The renewed depot will enable quality service of modern tram cars, the delivery of which is scheduled for 2023. The development of tramways is a global trend. Not only are they environmentally friendly, they also have more carrying capacity than buses. The Tashkent authorities are currently considering restoring the tram system, which was liquidated in 2016.

The guests also got acquainted with the experience of public transport organisation and dispatching. The system of gross contracts attracted the most interest. This model implies payment to the carrier for transport work and transfer of fare revenues to the city budget. This allows the carrier to operate regardless of the number of passengers on the route.

"Perm has a gross contracting system which has proven to be effective. We will learn from the positive experience of Perm in the field of transport development. Our Perm colleagues have suggested things to pay attention to," said Anvar Dzhuraev, head of Tashkent's transport department.