Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Baku residents and guests of the capital can now enjoy comfort of the new BakuBus on some 14 routes.

Baku Bus Company is the government agency responsible for upgrading the city’s bus network. The modern red buses are equipped with air conditioning systems to make the journey more pleasant, especially in the heat of the summer.

The BakuBus Company has commissioned new Iveco buses on the number 1 line in Baku, deputy director Vusal Kerimli said.

This line’s route stretches from Koroglu metro station to 28 May metro station and in the opposite direction, he added.

“The schedule of buses runs from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. In the first step, 14 buses are launched on this line. Depending on the number of passengers, in the future we will either increase or reduce the number. Intervals of movement is 2-3 minutes on weekdays and 5-10 minutes at the weekend,” said Kerimli.

A system of non-cash payments is being used on the new buses, he noted.

“Payment is implemented via a single travel card BakiKart, used in the Baku Metro as well. To do this, devices are installed at each stop, where you can buy a card and top off your balance. They are also installed at special kiosks near bus stops,” said the deputy director.

Moreover, a special system of rules will be applied in BakuBus. “The bus will stop at bus stops only, request stops are prohibited. In addition, each stop is accompanied by an announcement, and the bus route is displayed on a special screen,” Kerimli said.

This will be a novelty for Baku residents who have gotten used to request for stop anywhere they want, which sometimes leads to negative consequences.

Kerimov added, that the drivers of these buses will work in shifts, according to the Labor Code of Azerbaijan. A monthly salary defined for them, which provides bonus payments for overtime.

The deputy director noted that the new buses are scheduled to run on 14 routes. “All the routes have already been approved. Their launch will be implemented in stages.”

BakuBus is expected to change the transport culture in the capital. One of the distinctive features of the new buses is free WiFi.

Bus fare is the same as in other buses of the city, at 0.20 manat ($0.19).

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

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