Bishkek city officials have temporarily halted plans to eliminate cash payments on public buses following concerns raised by a city council member. Deputy Adilet Ibraev stated during a municipal council meeting that cash payments must remain an option until the legal framework in Kyrgyzstan is updated to support a fully cashless system. He emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right to utilize cash for transactions. The move responds to public apprehension regarding accessibility for those without bank accounts or digital payment methods. The city council is now awaiting changes to relevant legislation before reconsidering the elimination of cash fares. This pause ensures continued access to public transport for all residents, regardless of their banking status. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Bishkek City Council’s committee on housing, utilities, fuel and energy complex, transport, communications and ecology.