Statement of “Transport with Dignity” Civic Initiative

The Constitution of Armenia finds the human dignity an absolute value. However, the infringements noticed in various domains, the arbitrary behavior of statesmen, who are fed with our money as taxpayers derive tragic consequences.

Drivers, who are overexploited by the owners of “fixed minibus lines,” are deprived of elementary rights – they don’t have employment contracts, the right for rest, healthcare insurance, are not protected from arbitrary behaviors of owners of lines. They don’t receive a stable remuneration and daily pay 15,000-25,000 AMD to the owners of lines. Having said that, the owners of lines monthly pay only 30,000 AMD fixed tax.

In parallel with the abovementioned, the rights of the citizens using public transport are also being breached because simple safety and other conditions are not provided.

The questions and problems are numerous and with this statement we are not going to advert to all. One thing is clear for sure. The corruption rates of this sector have also reached the level jeopardizing the nationals security of the country.

We, the undersigned, state that hence we will consistently and in a targeted manner struggle for the sake of resolving the abovementioned problems and bringing order to the mentioned sector. We encourage all the concerned citizens become involved in the process of fight for their rights.

Consumers Union of Armenia NGO
Achilles NGO
Social Engagement and Support Center NGO
Ecological Civic Alliance
Transport with Dignity Civic Initiative