Yerevan residents protest against higher metro fare

Today in the Armenian capital the initiative group "We are against increase of metro fare" held a protest rally in front of the Mayoralty. The group was formed within the social network Facebook just after the city authorities decided to increase the fare. More than 5000 persons became members of this group; about 30 of them took part in today's rally.

Starting July 1, Yerevan metro fare doubled and reached 100 drams (0.3 US dollars).

According to the organizers of today's protest rally, they will continue rallies until the Mayoralty cancels that decision. However, many of the protesters claim that should the decision about the increase of metro fare not be canceled, they would not use this mode of transport at all.

The organizers of the protests believe that 100 percent fare increase is not acceptable in the Armenian social conditions.

Earlier, responding to the concerns of the protesters, Karen Karapetyan, Mayor of Yerevan, gave some clarifications on this issue. He wrote on his Facebook page: "I understand your concern about the increase of metro fare. However, without this step we could jeopardize the proper conditions for metro operation."

"Let me note here that even given the fare of 100 drams per ticket our metro remains the cheapest in the CIS. I hope that you will treat the issue with understanding," noted the Mayor.

See earlier report: "Yerevan: subway fare to be doubled since July 1".