The editorial team of Kaktus.media went to the final stop of the 71st bus. The wait at the Alamedin market stop stretched to 45 minutes, and the bus never arrived. As a result, we reached our destination by taxi, spending 394 soms. On the way, the car was jolted on the broken sections of the road.
Current Conditions at the Final Stop of the 71st Bus
Upon arrival, we found that the final stop is a deserted place, drowning in mud, where any vehicle can get stuck. There are no signs or covered shelters. The roads are in terrible condition not only at the final stop but also along the entire route of the 71st bus, which passes through the former village of Sadovoe. Only the last one and a half kilometers of the route can boast more or less normal pavement.When the bus finally arrived, we spoke with the driver, who informed us that there are only four buses operating on the line. On weekends, they do not run due to low passenger traffic, as schoolchildren do not travel, and fuel costs do not justify the trip.
Drivers' Difficulties on Broken Roads
The bus driver mentioned that navigating such streets has become extremely difficult. Some sections of the road resemble "shingles" — with regular waves causing strong vibrations and noise in the bus. Repairs, if they are conducted, are only partial.When trying to avoid potholes, the driver encounters new ones, and the entire bus shakes from the impacts. "It feels like the windows are going to fall out, and the suspension suffers under such conditions. If the roads were repaired, it would be much better," he shared. In case of a breakdown, all costs will fall on his shoulders; for example, repairing a window can cost around 25,000 soms, and the vehicle cannot help but break down in such conditions.
Dangerous Pothole Near the School
The problems are not limited to the roads; potholes also pose a danger to pedestrians, especially children. Near School No. 110, kids wait for their 71st bus right next to a dangerous pothole. According to witnesses, a ten-year-old girl fell into it two weeks ago, but she did not file a complaint. The pothole remains uncovered and continues to be a threat to all passersby.
