The problem of “manat taxi” for which no solution has been found

At least once, each of us has seen taxi drivers shouting “1 manat to such and such a place” at metro exits. This type of passenger transport, called “manat taxi” in popular language, is taking people’s hands. Especially in the cold winter months, people eagerly use the services of these taxis. However, for years we have been hearing opinions from the State Traffic Police and other agencies about the illegal operation of these taxis.

At the press conference held these days Baku Mais Aghayev, press secretary of the Transport Agency (BNA), also said that “1-manat taxis” keep people away from public transport and create a chaotic situation on the roads, causing traffic jams. To his opinion in social networks people protest did. They said that instead of standing in the parking lot for 1 hour in the cold, not being able to get on the bus because of the crowd and waiting for the next one, rather than standing in the traffic jam, after 8-9 o’clock route It is more profitable to go to 1 manat than not to find it.

Baku Mais Agayev, the press secretary of the Transport Agency, said in his conversation with us that illegal passenger transport does not have a positive effect on city transport:

“One of the main reasons for the chaotic traffic conditions on the capital’s roads today is the presence of illegal passenger transport. Regular due to the congestion and traffic jams they cause route The schedule of buses on the lines is disrupted, the travel time by buses increases and passengers have to wait for a long time at the bus stop. As a result, the passenger considers it more appropriate to travel in “manat taxis”. This situation is felt in a more pronounced form on suburban bus lines.

According to the press secretary, the most optimal way out of this situation way is to increase the attractiveness of public transport:

“Illegal passenger transports arise and develop as a result of lack of service level in public transport. Today, to increase the level of service in public transport in our city, first of all to organize its efficient operation route we should organize special traffic lanes along the lines. The free and unimpeded movement of buses on regular routes will prevent rapid car traffic, which is the main cause of traffic jams and overcrowding.”

Transport expert Eldeniz Jafarov said that BNA says the problem, but does not show the solution:

“It is true that the number of passenger cars creates congestion on the roads. However, the reasons for this density turning into a traffic jam are different. No one can unequivocally claim that the large number of taxis in Baku causes traffic jams. Taxis do not remove citizens from public transport. The reason for this is the lack of access to transport, the small number of buses on the route, the problems in increasing the card balance, and the mistakes of the relevant transport agencies.

According to the expert, the State Traffic Police should take measures regarding those who illegally engage in taxi activities:

“It is necessary to try so that there is no illegal, illegal taxi activity. If this is legalized, it will benefit the state budget, and citizens can freely engage in taxi activity. In order to prevent the problem, first of all, it is necessary to create taxi stands and organize convenient parking places for passenger cars. If we see that “taxi for 1 manat” is more effective in passenger transportation, this time Baku City Government Executive may consider reviving route taxis.

According to expert Elmeddin Muradli, if the problems in public transport are solved, people will pay 30 kopecks way It does not cost 1 manat:

“BNA admits that the number of buses is small, the interval is not expected, they cannot provide additional transport when there is congestion. Due to such problems, manat taxis are in circulation. In fact, the agencies involved in passenger transportation should thank manat taxis. Because manat taxis play a very important role in passenger transportation, they do what they cannot do. If they intensify the movement by dedicating special lanes for buses, if they develop the routes, then interest in buses will increase. In order to be able to move on time, people will take a bus instead of a “manat taxi”. But today people see that the interval is short and the bus is crowded. He thinks that he is in a traffic jam with the bus way instead of walking for an hour or an hour and a half, I can sit comfortably in a taxi for 1 manat. If these problems are solved, why should a person who receives a monthly salary of 300-600 AZN pay 1 AZN for a trip that costs 30-50 kopecks?”

E. Muradli said that instead of eliminating these taxis, we should improve the service provided by them:

“If we remove these taxis, people will stay on the streets. No one can ban manat taxis. But their arbitrariness must be stopped. The taxi should not stop where it came. Special places should be allocated for this. It is necessary to ensure that all of them engage in legal activities, receive a badge of distinction and work within the framework of the rules.”

According to the expert, if BNA had taken measures in time, the situation would not have reached this level:

The number of “manat taxis” is extremely high. Because there are many, it causes traffic jams. One of the main reasons for the traffic jam on the Baku-Sumgait road is those taxis. But it is impossible to remove them from the roads. We both say it creates a problem and we don’t give people an alternative option. After providing normal public transport, of course, the number of “manat taxis” will decrease. (Caspian)