«The Constitution clearly states that the national currency of the Kyrgyz Republic is the som. And the Code of Offenses stipulates liability for refusing to accept payment in the national currency. The fine for individuals is 3,000 soms, and for legal entities, 13,000 soms,» the MP recalled.

I understand the City Hall’s willingness to make payments on public transport transparent. This is the right goal. But banning cash is the wrong approach. Dastan Bekeshev

I understand the City Hall’s willingness to make payments on public transport transparent. This is the right goal. But banning cash is the wrong approach.

«Public transport is not a restaurant, a business lounge, or an online store. It’s used by pensioners, schoolchildren, people without bank cards, people without smartphones, city visitors, and citizens whose internet or app simply doesn’t work. What should we do with them? Deny them access to the bus? Force them off? Start arguments at the entrance? In practice, this will lead not to order, but to conflict. And then drivers will start taking cash anyway—only unofficially, for their own pockets. And instead of transparency, we’ll get even more shady schemes,» he believes.

The deputy emphasized that digital payment must develop.

«Cards, QR codes, transport apps—all of this is necessary. But it should be a convenient alternative, not a mandatory ban. Cash on public transport should remain for now, because transport is a basic service for everyone, not just those with a card, a smartphone, and a stable internet connection,» he added.

It was previously reported that cash payments on Bishkek buses would be abolished starting July 1.

Four years ago, the City Hall promised to eliminate cash payments on municipal buses.