President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the process of renewing the road infrastructure in Tashkent city and shared his thoughts about the BRT system introduced in the city center. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
He emphasized that through this system, it is possible to reduce traffic congestion in the capital, as well as create convenient, affordable, and fast public transport for the population. According to the President, if such dedicated lanes are increased, people will reduce their use of private cars on working days.
Buses will be safe, fast, and cheap, and cars will be used only on weekends or for family trips. The new BRT system established on Shota Rustaveli Street serves as a model for projects to be implemented on other streets.
Tashkent city mayor Shavkat Umurzoqov provided the President with detailed information about the new system. Separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists have been created on both sides of the road, over 14,000 trees have been planted, and the drainage system has been completely renewed.
Buses move only in the middle of the road, which has allowed the speed of public transport to double. According to analyses by the “Uzbekistan 24” TV channel, the BRT system has been successfully implemented in many major cities around the world.
In megacities such as Bogota, Istanbul, Beijing, and Mexico City, traffic congestion has significantly decreased due to this system. The first BRT lane in Tashkent was established on the 7-kilometer section of Shota Rustaveli Street from Mirobod to Choshtepa.
This road is divided into 10 traffic lanes, 6 of which are for cars, 2 for buses, and 2 for stopping. Within the project, 21 new bus stops, 463 “smart” traffic lights, and an intelligent transport system were installed.
In the coming years, bus lanes totaling 51 kilometers in length are planned to be built on 10 more routes. According to the plan presented to the President, by 2030 the BRT system will also be introduced on Shahrisabz, Amir Temur, Yangi Sergeli, Makhtumquli, and Nurafshon streets.
For this purpose, funding of 126 million dollars is envisaged. Once the system is fully operational, the speed of buses in Tashkent is expected to increase from 18 to 23 kilometers per hour, and the interval between trips will shorten from 20 minutes to 8–10 minutes.
Thus, as a modern and convenient form of public transport in the capital, the BRT system will elevate traffic culture and quality of life to a new level (source: zamin.uz).
