PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARE MAY REMAIN UNCHANGED IN ARMENIA

ARKA
May 19, 2008

YEREVAN, May 19. /ARKA/. Public transport fare may remain unchanged
in Armenia, said Armenian Minister of Transport and Communication
Gurgen Sargsian. After the working group set up to conduct respective
studies completes its work, a decision will be made whether to raise
the price or not, the Minister said.

The first tide of rumors on fare rise occurred after the increase in
gas prices at some gas-filling stations, Sargsian said. He reported
that after the respective study, prices at the gas stations were
somehow reviewed.

"No rise has been recorded in prices for inter-city transport; some
organizations raised the prices without permission. The transport
department is carrying out a respective inspection now," the Minister
said.

Recently some transport organizations submitted applications to the
government for raising the public transport fare in Yerevan as they
cannot meet the transportation prime cost under the current fare and
the increased gas prices.

The current passenger fare for buses and minivans is 100drams and
the fare for trolleybus is 50drams in Yerevan. ($1=307.58drams).