Municipal passenger buses, purchased in South Korea ahead of the Asian Games in 2017, have turned out to be uncomfortable for passengers.
Ashgabat residents complain that even when the buses were brand new, it was quite complicated for mothers with children, elderly and disabled passengers to get on or off the bus because of steep steps.
In the meantime, after having been in operation for over two years, passenger compartments have considerably worn out. Handles and seats in many vehicles are broken. Throughout this time no maintenance and repair works were carried out.
After President Berdymukhmammedov imposed a ban on private taxis, which provide passenger transportation services without a relevant license and prevented them from working in the capital, buses have been used much more frequently.
Public transport is no longer capable of handling the increased passenger flow.
Let us recall that the passengers have complained about buses before.One of the main things Ashgabat residents complain about buses is missing air conditioners.
In summer time, when the outside temperature is above 40 °C, both passengers and drivers, who are obliged to wear green uniform made of thick fabric, suffer from heat and sultry air.