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Today, deputies passed the first reading of a draft law aimed at improving road conditions in the capital. Its goal is to curb the behavior of violators and restore the intended use of bus-only lanes.
Traffic Jams and Ineffective Solutions
Traffic jams remain one of the most pressing issues in Tashkent. Residents face daily congestion rated at 7–9 points on a 10-point scale, sometimes reaching the maximum.
Dedicated bus lanes were supposed to be a solution to this problem, potentially speeding up public transportation. Over the past two years, bus intervals have been reduced by half. However, in reality, these lanes are not functioning as intended: private car drivers continue to use them, disrupting the movement of public transport.
Currently, violators are only fined for improper parking or stopping, which does little to address widespread rule violations.
What Does the New Bill Propose?
The draft law introduces several key changes:
1️⃣ Fines for driving in bus lanes. Entering a bus lane will now be treated as a separate violation with corresponding penalties.
2️⃣ Protection of sidewalks, bike lanes, and green zones. Drivers using these areas for driving or parking will face fines.
3️⃣ Combatting illegal roadblocks. Setting up obstacles, blocking roads, or creating barriers for vehicles and pedestrians will be prohibited.
Why Is This Important?
These measures are designed to:
- Reduce traffic congestion. Public transportation will become faster and more reliable, encouraging residents to switch to buses.
- Improve urban infrastructure. Less chaos on the roads means more order and efficiency.
- Relieve stress for passengers. Faster and more consistent public transport will reduce waiting times and make travel more comfortable.
A Long Road Ahead
Passing the law is just the first step. Two more readings, Senate approval, and the president’s signature are still required. However, the key challenge lies in implementation. Without effective enforcement by traffic police, the introduction of violation detection cameras, and proper public awareness campaigns, these efforts could fail to bring the desired results.
For now, public transport remains a hostage to the overall road situation. The draft law offers hope for change, but its success will require a comprehensive approach to traffic management and driving culture.
Perhaps in the near future, buses will move faster, and drivers will think twice before entering bus-only lanes. But until then, reckless drivers continue to inconvenience not only their fellow motorists but also bus passengers.
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
