Bishkek's Night Commute: Testing New Bus Routes Amidst Rising Taxi Costs

As night falls in Bishkek, residents face dwindling bus services and escalating taxi fares, prompting a closer look at nighttime transportation options. Many find themselves waiting for extended periods for the infrequent buses that continue to run after 10 PM, with some facing waits of up to 30 minutes.

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We have been waiting for the 30th bus for 20 minutes. It runs infrequently at this time, sometimes you have to wait half an hour.

For those working late shifts, the cost of taxis becomes a significant burden. "If I call through an app, sometimes the cost reaches 500 soms, especially when it rains. It usually comes out to 300-400 soms," shared one resident. He, like many others, expressed hope that the newly introduced night buses would alleviate this problem, as he had yet to encounter them.

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If I call through an app, sometimes the cost reaches 500 soms, especially when it rains. It usually comes out to 300-400 soms. I've heard about night buses, but I haven't encountered them yet. If they really run regularly, it will greatly ease the problem.

In response to these challenges, the Bishkek mayor's office recently launched a pilot program featuring night bus routes. On July 3, buses on routes 3, 16, 19, 35, 45, and 56 began operating, with three buses assigned to each route. These routes largely traverse the city's main streets and include some circular options. Journalists from 24.kg set out to evaluate the practicality and convenience of these new services, aiming to determine if they offer a viable and affordable alternative for late-night commuters.

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The main problems with public transport begin after 10 PM. Buses still run, but there are significantly fewer of them, while there are still many people at the stops.