Rising number of passenger cars remains main cause of traffic congestion in Yerevan, says mayor
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The growing number of passenger cars remains the main cause of traffic congestion in Yerevan, while giving greater priority to public transport remains the city's main strategy for addressing the problem, Mayor Tigran Avinyan said.
Speaking at a municipal planning meeting, Avinyan said Yerevan City Hall will regularly publish data collected by the city's Traffic Management Center and provide updates on ongoing and planned transport projects.
"Residents should be informed not only about the changes already being implemented, but also about the large-scale projects aimed at improving traffic management and reducing congestion in the capital. We will present the public with specific measures and projects designed to ease traffic," the mayor said.
Among the city's immediate priorities are changes to traffic management at selected intersections, while the main focus remains on improving the public transport system.
Avinyan also stressed the importance of regularly publishing data collected by the Traffic Management Center to give residents a clearer picture of traffic conditions in the capital.
According to the mayor, the continued increase in the number of passenger cars is the main driver of congestion and is also affecting the efficiency of public transport. Without systemic reforms, he said, the growing number of vehicles is likely to worsen traffic congestion further, making gradual and well-planned solutions essential.
The city's transport development plans include the introduction of AI-powered traffic lights and the expansion of dedicated bus lanes.
At the same time, Avinyan said any discussion of new traffic restrictions should take place only after residents are provided with effective alternatives.
"Before introducing any new regulation or restriction, we must ensure that public transport is faster and more efficient than travelling by private car. At the same time, we also need to develop park-and-ride facilities at the city's entrances so that people have the option of changing the way they travel," he said.