Due to the pandemic, they were not given any assistance from the 280 million manat allocated by the state for the purpose of assistance to passenger transport companies in 2020.

"APA-Economics" informs that this was stated in a collective appeal addressed to the state administration by 19 private transport companies that carry out the majority of passenger transportation in Baku city and surrounding towns.

It was noted that by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 04.04.2020 No. 135S, 280 million manats were allocated for providing financial support to the "vital passenger transport sector" (item 10 of the action plan).

However, although a part of the funds allocated for the "vital passenger transportation area" provided for in the 10th point of the action plan was intended to ensure the financial stability of passenger transportation companies operating in Baku, these funds were not paid to them: "During the pandemic, the allocation of these funds diverted our state's attention to the passenger transportation area Undoubtedly, payment of funds would have a positive impact on the activities of companies in a difficult situation."

The companies also asked the Ministry of Economy to review the existing tariffs, consider the ways of the state supporting public transport, and hold a joint meeting to discuss the situation.

In the collective application, it was noted that in January and April of the current year, companies providing passenger transportation services in Baku applied to the Tariff (Price) Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

However, those appeals remained unanswered: "There are sharp differences between the existing single tariff in public transport and market realities in the country and the world.

In connection with this application, the companies were requested to provide forecasts for 2022 and the request was fulfilled.

However, the appeal has so far been unsuccessful.

It was reported that 81 percent of public transport in Baku is carried out by private transport companies.

Based on the financial reports, it was emphasized that the fares currently available in passenger transportation are not sufficient to cover the financial costs.

Thus, for nearly 3 years, the ongoing pandemic has seriously affected passenger transport companies, the decrease in social and economic activity of the population has led to a sharp decrease in passenger flow and a huge financial loss by reducing our income opportunities to a minimum.

In 2021, the price of diesel fuel in the country increased by 33% and was set at 80 kopecks.

The amount of the subsidy allocated for neutralizing the impact of the increase in the price of diesel fuel on business entities engaged in passenger transportation covers a small part of the additional loss of funds caused by the increase in the price of fuel.

The price of lubricants, tires and other spare parts necessary for the bus vehicle has increased by up to 50 percent.

In these cases, it leads to a sharp decrease in the income of companies, a decrease in the quality of service, and in general, a decrease in the reputation of public transport in society.

As a result, fares, which are many times lower than today's market reality, exposed companies to serious financial losses, increased indebtedness, and put our business opportunities at risk."

the price of tires and other spare parts has increased by 50 percent.

In these cases, it leads to a sharp decrease in the income of companies, a decrease in the quality of service, and in general, a decrease in the reputation of public transport in society.

As a result, fares, which are many times lower than today's market reality, exposed companies to serious financial losses, increased indebtedness, and put our business opportunities at risk."

the price of tires and other spare parts has increased by 50 percent.

In these cases, it leads to a sharp decrease in the income of companies, a decrease in the quality of service, and in general, a decrease in the reputation of public transport in society.

As a result, fares, which are many times lower than today's market reality, exposed companies to serious financial losses, increased indebtedness, and put our business opportunities at risk."

The transport companies have also requested to reduce the fee by stating that they pay 5% of the funds collected to "BakiKart" based on the number of passengers they carry every day, and that this is quite a large percentage. Also, it is important to implement alternative payment systems in public transport, to complete the transition to payment by card. they emphasized that.

The heads of the company asked to be accepted at the Ministry of Economy and said that it is important to take urgent measures to solve the numerous problems that have arisen.