As students from Talas, studying at higher educational institutions in the capital, reported, prices have particularly risen this year. Travel in 7-seat vehicles costs 1800 soms, while in 4-seat cars it goes up to 2000 soms. "For 2500 soms, you can already fly by plane. Such a price increase during the holiday season becomes a financial burden for students," they note.
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At the end of December 2023 and December 2024, Turmush also reported on the increase in travel costs. Residents mentioned that in the run-up to the New Year holidays, residents of the Talas region are returning from Bishkek, where they study and work. Passengers arriving from the capital on December 30 say that boarding is not at 1300 soms, but at 1500 soms per person.
The Traffic Safety Department of the Talas Regional Internal Affairs Directorate reported that inspectors are conducting explanatory work with drivers, but they cannot intervene in the regulation of travel tariffs. This is handled by the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
The increase in cost on the Bishkek—Talas—Bishkek route occurs annually with the onset of cold weather. For example, in November 2022, Turmush reported that the cost of travel on the Talas—Bishkek route had risen to 1200 soms per person.
At that time, drivers said that due to changing weather conditions, the price had increased from 800 soms to 1200 soms. They explained that the road is now "very dangerous." "Before the trip, we check the technical condition of the vehicles, change the tires to winter ones to eliminate the risks of getting stuck on the road. All of this incurs costs. In addition, fuel prices have risen. This has affected the increase in travel prices. The cost of travel in a 7-seat vehicle is 1000 soms, and in a 4-seat vehicle — 1200 soms," the drivers reported.
