Deputy Rysbai Amatov said the proposal aims to ensure compliance with legal requirements by allowing passengers to purchase special tickets for cash via terminals or machines installed at stops, public places, or inside transport.

Vice Mayor Ramiz Aliev noted that passengers can also pay through inspectors. Around 100 inspectors are being recruited to work in buses and at stops.

When asked how many terminals will be installed, Aliev said they are already widely available: «They already operate in almost any shopping center or store; we are only adjusting their placement at bus stops. You insert 20 soms into the cash acceptor and receive a QR code, which can be scanned on a validator. We will only sign agreements for QR code distribution. There will be no budget expenses; all costs are covered by Tulpar company.

He added that about five terminals will be installed per route, with a total of 72 public transport routes operating in the city.

«Terminals will also be placed on the outskirts of the city and in new residential areas. Since many visitors and foreigners may not have a Tulpar card, terminals will be concentrated mainly in the city center. Passengers will still be able to buy a transport card from drivers for 60 soms. For example, if you don’t see a terminal, your smartphone’s battery is dead, you don’t have a bank card, or you can’t pay at the bus stop, you can buy a card from the driver and use it later. Yes, it’s not cost-effective, so it’s easier to buy a monthly pass t for 1,020 soms,» Ramiz Aliev noted.

About 80 percent of city residents already pay for bus fares by card. Ramiz Aliev

About 80 percent of city residents already pay for bus fares by card.

Kazybek Ergeshov emphasized that selling cards on buses does not relieve drivers of contact with passengers.

Cash payments on Bishkek buses will be discontinued starting July 1. Passengers unable to pay cashlessly will not be allowed to board public transport.