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ARF DEMANDS END TO BUS FARE HIKE
[ Part 2.2: "Attached Text" ]
http://asbarez.com/111896/arf-demands-end-to-bus-fare-hike/
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013
Armenian Revolutionary Federation
YEREVAN-The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Council
of Armenia on Monday issued a statement condemning a decision by
Yerevan city government to increase prices of public transportation
in the city by 50 percent. Below is the English translated text of
the announcement.
ARF Supreme Council of Armenia condemns the unsubstantiated 50
percent increase in the price of public transportation by the
government. This step is unacceptable by political, economic, social
and legal perspectives.
During the election campaign, the authorities were promising that
there would not be an abrupt increase in prices and were pledging
real growth in quality of life. However, after the elections, price
increases in gas, electricity and other basic essentials were followed
by the public transportation fare hikes. Once gain they deceived the
public, creating an atmosphere of mistrust in the future and a sense
of being not protected.
The explanation by officials that increase in gas and electricity
prices are not connected to the fare hike is illogical. If that
assertion is true then the government is running a policy that advances
the interests of a few over the needs of the public. If the assertion
is false, then the authorities are, once again, deceiving the public
and experts in the field by stating the increase in gas and electricity
prices will result in only a 2.7 percent inflation.
In both instances, the political leadership is operating to the
detriment of society.
>From a socio-economic perspective, this step by the political
leadership contradicts international norms and practices where
competition is the best indicator of price setting. However, in the
public transportation sphere, for example the administration of the
trolley lines, a system marrying political and economic interests has
become a monopoly of influential people. International norms have shown
that prior to or immediately following an objective increase of prices
the there is national increase on wages. Such a thing has not taken
place in Armenia. The best examples from international experience are
plans that feature multiple rates, discount plans, transportation
cooperatives and the execution of bundled transportation tickets,
which financially enhance the transportation system, enlarge public
oversight, increase the flow of passengers and make rates affordable.
Thus, the ARF Supreme Council of Armenia:
1. Condemns the Armenian government's shortsighted policies;
2. Demands that the decision to increase public transportation prices
be halted and any fare increases be carried out through a transparent
mechanism corresponding to the increase of wages;
3. Suggests the establishment of a public-expert group, to develop and
propose a legal-collective system that includes multiple rate plans,
discount systems, formation of transportation cooperatives;
4. Welcomes and expresses it solidarity with those groups and youth
who are expressing their anger at this disgraceful decision and
through their activism are defending their and the public's rights.
ARF Supreme Council of Armenia July 22, 2013
From: Baghdasarian
[ Part 2.2: "Attached Text" ]
http://asbarez.com/111896/arf-demands-end-to-bus-fare-hike/
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013
Armenian Revolutionary Federation
YEREVAN-The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Council
of Armenia on Monday issued a statement condemning a decision by
Yerevan city government to increase prices of public transportation
in the city by 50 percent. Below is the English translated text of
the announcement.
ARF Supreme Council of Armenia condemns the unsubstantiated 50
percent increase in the price of public transportation by the
government. This step is unacceptable by political, economic, social
and legal perspectives.
During the election campaign, the authorities were promising that
there would not be an abrupt increase in prices and were pledging
real growth in quality of life. However, after the elections, price
increases in gas, electricity and other basic essentials were followed
by the public transportation fare hikes. Once gain they deceived the
public, creating an atmosphere of mistrust in the future and a sense
of being not protected.
The explanation by officials that increase in gas and electricity
prices are not connected to the fare hike is illogical. If that
assertion is true then the government is running a policy that advances
the interests of a few over the needs of the public. If the assertion
is false, then the authorities are, once again, deceiving the public
and experts in the field by stating the increase in gas and electricity
prices will result in only a 2.7 percent inflation.
In both instances, the political leadership is operating to the
detriment of society.
>From a socio-economic perspective, this step by the political
leadership contradicts international norms and practices where
competition is the best indicator of price setting. However, in the
public transportation sphere, for example the administration of the
trolley lines, a system marrying political and economic interests has
become a monopoly of influential people. International norms have shown
that prior to or immediately following an objective increase of prices
the there is national increase on wages. Such a thing has not taken
place in Armenia. The best examples from international experience are
plans that feature multiple rates, discount plans, transportation
cooperatives and the execution of bundled transportation tickets,
which financially enhance the transportation system, enlarge public
oversight, increase the flow of passengers and make rates affordable.
Thus, the ARF Supreme Council of Armenia:
1. Condemns the Armenian government's shortsighted policies;
2. Demands that the decision to increase public transportation prices
be halted and any fare increases be carried out through a transparent
mechanism corresponding to the increase of wages;
3. Suggests the establishment of a public-expert group, to develop and
propose a legal-collective system that includes multiple rate plans,
discount systems, formation of transportation cooperatives;
4. Welcomes and expresses it solidarity with those groups and youth
who are expressing their anger at this disgraceful decision and
through their activism are defending their and the public's rights.
ARF Supreme Council of Armenia July 22, 2013
From: Baghdasarian