Client: Corporate Solutions (main client: EBRD)

Year: 2010

Khujand is the second largest city of the Republic of Tajikistan (in Central Asia) with a population of 158.300 in 2009. Concerning public transport, the services have been deteriorating in the past decade and the demand is met with only a basic level of service. Financed by EBRD, a study for the improvement of public transport in Khujand was undertaken.

Public transport in Khujand was mainly served by 1500 mini buses (called Marshrutkas) with a capacity of 11-14 seats and a maximum capacity of 20 passengers. However, competition on the basis of quality does not really exist. Therefore, reviewing and reorganising the private minibus industry with the aim to improve the quality of public transport services and to reduce the negative impact of the large number of minibuses on road congestion, safety and environment, must be committed.

This study consisted of three phases: inception report, development of a new route network, and strategy development for sustainable public transport. In the inception report, a framework for areas of improvement of public transport in Khujand was proposed with the objective to establish an attractive, safe, efficient, affordable and sustainable public transport system. This formed a key starting point for the development of a new route network and a strategy for sustainable public transport in Khujand.

As part of the international team that carried out this study, Balancia played a role as an urban transport expert.

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