In a move reflecting the ongoing economic challenges facing Iran, Tehran’s City Council has approved a significant increase in public transportation fares, effective as of April 20. The decision, endorsed by Tehran’s Supervisory Council, sees fares rise by 16% to 45% across various modes of transportation, eliciting discontent among citizens already grappling with financial strains.
Jafar Tashakkori Hashemi, the head of Tehran City Council’s Civil Engineering and Transportation Commission, justified the fare hikes by citing the municipality’s ownership of the Tehran Metro and buses, both of which receive subsidies. He claimed that adjustments were made to ensure minimal impact on public and private transport operators.
Under the new measures, metro fares within Tehran and journeys spanning up to 30 kilometers now cost 4,300 tomans, up from the previous 3,300 tomans. Additionally, suburban routes, including those to Parand and Hashtgerd, have seen a 30% fare increase.
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Bus ticket prices have also surged, with fares for articulated and regular buses rising by 22%. The fare hike corresponds to a 20% increase per kilometer for articulated buses and 40% for regular buses. Consequently, passengers now pay 2,200 tomans for a journey of up to five kilometers on articulated buses, with an additional 480 tomans per additional five kilometers. For regular buses, the fare starts at 2,200 tomans for a journey of up to 2.5 kilometers, increasing by 560 tomans for every additional 2.5 kilometers.
The cost of taxi rides has soared by up to 45%, with fares calculated based on factors such as road gradient. Passengers using regular and railway taxis must now pay 7,250 tomans as an initial fee, with an additional 2,111 tomans per kilometer. Airport taxi fares have been set at 50,750 tomans, with the same per-kilometer charge.
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These price hikes come amid widespread dissatisfaction among both passengers and transport operators. Many citizens have voiced concerns over the consecutive fare increases within a short span of time, exacerbating their financial burdens. Taxi drivers, in particular, argue that the fare hikes do not consider the rising costs of maintaining their vehicles, making it difficult for them to adhere to the new rates.
The surge in public transportation fares, coupled with the widening gap between income and living expenses, underscores the economic challenges faced by Iranians. Amidst an inflation rate surpassing 50% and the relentless surge in prices of essential commodities, Iranian citizens find themselves contending with the aftermath of a 35% minimum wage increase earlier this year, coupled with subsequent protests by workers’ representatives. Against this backdrop, the recent public transportation fare hikes only exacerbate the strain on an already fragile economic terrain.