Bishkek’s municipal government will provide over 1 billion soms (approximately $11.5 million USD) to subsidize the transition to a fully cashless payment system for public transportation. The funding is necessary to cover the difference in fares as the city moves away from cash transactions on buses. This was announced by Deputy Mayor Ramiz Aliev during a meeting of the Bishkek City Council’s committee on housing and communal services, energy, transport, communications, and ecology. The move to cashless payments aims to improve efficiency and transparency in the public transport system. The subsidy will ensure fares remain affordable for commuters during the transition period. Details regarding the implementation timeline and specific fare adjustments were not immediately available. The council committee is currently reviewing the proposal.