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DEMONSTRATORS AGAINST INCREASED TRANSIT FARES WIN
[ Part 2.2: "Attached Text" ]
http://asbarez.com/112253/demonstrators-against-increased-transit-fares-win/
Asbarez
July 31, 2013
[dagdigianpiece.jpg]
Republic Square
BY HOVSEP DAGDIGIAN
YEREVAN-The Yerevan city government and the transportation authority
recently approved a bus and minibus fare increase from 100 to 150
dram, a 50% increase. With dollar to Armenian dram conversion rates
of about 410 dram per dollar to outsiders this may not seem like a
large increase, though the percentage increase is 50%. But this is
deceiving. Many Armenians work for absurdly low wages even though
they may be highly educated. And many people cannot afford to work
as transportation to and from work may consume most of their pay.
Retirees on meager pensions have difficulties paying for the
necessities of heating in the winter, electricity, water, and food.
Even an increase in transportation costs of $5/month presents a burden
to many.
One justification for the fare increase was the increased price of
natural gas and gasoline, both used as fuels for vehicles. Though
the busses are owned by companies, the drivers pay for fuel costs,
and many of the drivers are against the fare increase. The Yerevan
government claims that fare increases are necessary to maintain the
safety of the minibus and bus fleet; though such a fare increase is
regressive, affecting the poorest and lowest paid segments of society.
When the fare increase took effect, young Armenians positioned
themselves at bus stops and urged passengers to pay only 100 dram for
bus transportation and asked the drivers to accept 100 dram fares. On
occasion, drivers said they would accept 50 dram, and a few said
they would let passengers ride for free. Such declarations evoked
loud cheers of approval from the demonstrators. Other demonstrators
wearing or carrying signs urged rejection of the 150 dram fare and
taped signs on the busses urging rejection of higher fares. I witnessed
cars, driven by young people, stopping at bus stops offering to drive
people to their destination for free. The number of protestors steadily
increased with older people in their 50s and 60s joining in. Protesters
were accompanied by Armenian flags, drums, and bull horns. Although
the demonstrators were noisy, demonstrations remained peaceful. With
increased numbers of demonstrators was an increased police presence
in the streets, but there were no problems.
On the evening of Thursday, August 25, I was on Abovian Street
heading towards Republic Square. A deluge of young protestors marched
up Abovian Street from the square carrying flags, beating drums,
and chanting "Victory - We Won." Indeed they did! The government
declared that the bus fares for the time being would remain at 100
dram. Later that evening, Republic Square was flooded with jubilant
protestors waving flags and cheering so loudly that they could be
heard blocks away.
Recent statements by government officials indicate that they may
still attempt to raise fares. There were no attempted fare increases
in cities other than Yerevan.
From: Baghdasarian
[ Part 2.2: "Attached Text" ]
http://asbarez.com/112253/demonstrators-against-increased-transit-fares-win/
Asbarez
July 31, 2013
[dagdigianpiece.jpg]
Republic Square
BY HOVSEP DAGDIGIAN
YEREVAN-The Yerevan city government and the transportation authority
recently approved a bus and minibus fare increase from 100 to 150
dram, a 50% increase. With dollar to Armenian dram conversion rates
of about 410 dram per dollar to outsiders this may not seem like a
large increase, though the percentage increase is 50%. But this is
deceiving. Many Armenians work for absurdly low wages even though
they may be highly educated. And many people cannot afford to work
as transportation to and from work may consume most of their pay.
Retirees on meager pensions have difficulties paying for the
necessities of heating in the winter, electricity, water, and food.
Even an increase in transportation costs of $5/month presents a burden
to many.
One justification for the fare increase was the increased price of
natural gas and gasoline, both used as fuels for vehicles. Though
the busses are owned by companies, the drivers pay for fuel costs,
and many of the drivers are against the fare increase. The Yerevan
government claims that fare increases are necessary to maintain the
safety of the minibus and bus fleet; though such a fare increase is
regressive, affecting the poorest and lowest paid segments of society.
When the fare increase took effect, young Armenians positioned
themselves at bus stops and urged passengers to pay only 100 dram for
bus transportation and asked the drivers to accept 100 dram fares. On
occasion, drivers said they would accept 50 dram, and a few said
they would let passengers ride for free. Such declarations evoked
loud cheers of approval from the demonstrators. Other demonstrators
wearing or carrying signs urged rejection of the 150 dram fare and
taped signs on the busses urging rejection of higher fares. I witnessed
cars, driven by young people, stopping at bus stops offering to drive
people to their destination for free. The number of protestors steadily
increased with older people in their 50s and 60s joining in. Protesters
were accompanied by Armenian flags, drums, and bull horns. Although
the demonstrators were noisy, demonstrations remained peaceful. With
increased numbers of demonstrators was an increased police presence
in the streets, but there were no problems.
On the evening of Thursday, August 25, I was on Abovian Street
heading towards Republic Square. A deluge of young protestors marched
up Abovian Street from the square carrying flags, beating drums,
and chanting "Victory - We Won." Indeed they did! The government
declared that the bus fares for the time being would remain at 100
dram. Later that evening, Republic Square was flooded with jubilant
protestors waving flags and cheering so loudly that they could be
heard blocks away.
Recent statements by government officials indicate that they may
still attempt to raise fares. There were no attempted fare increases
in cities other than Yerevan.
From: Baghdasarian