Why do taxis in Dushanbe operate like buses?

Taxis in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, are deviating from their intended on-demand service, transforming into a de facto public transport system. On major roads, vehicles displaying bus route numbers are picking up passengers along set paths, charging each rider separately. This shift effectively turns them into minibuses, a practice that is causing frustration among residents.

Social media buzz highlights a growing difficulty in securing a taxi through mobile applications. Taxi operators acknowledge that most vehicles are occupied, particularly during the morning and evening commutes. This scarcity is directly linked to drivers opting for the more lucrative, albeit unofficial, route system.

Drivers licensed for on-demand services are instead displaying bus route numbers, collecting fares from multiple passengers heading in the same direction. These unofficial route taxis are most commonly found on busy corridors, connecting residential areas with the city center. An Asia-Plus reporter observed dozens of taxis marked with routes 3 and 8 picking up passengers within a short period, indicating the widespread nature of this operation, which authorities deem illegal.