Protesters against fare hikes block highway in Armenia

Residents of the Armenian villages of Proshyan and Kasakh have once again held a protest, demanding a review of the decision to cancel the bus routes connecting them with Yerevan, Report informs referring to Armenian media.

The protesters are demanding that Kotayk Governor Aharon Sahakyan come to the scene. Otherwise, they will block the Ashtarak-Yerevan highway. People were outraged by the cessation of bus routes Np 25 and No 59, which connected Kasakh and Proshyan with Yerevan. These routes existed for two years, but were then cancelled.

According to local residents, they are now replaced by minibuses - more expensive and less comfortable. The protesters warned in advance of their intention to block the road. Police forces, including the "black berets" special forces, have been deployed to the scene. Residents of the villages gathered at different sections of the Ashtarak-Yerevan highway, but then decided to unite to jointly determine further actions.

On April 9, a meeting was held between residents of Kasakh and Proshyan and government representatives.

At that time, they were promised that the problem would be solved and the tariffs would remain the same. However, according to the villagers, no changes have occurred. According to the decision of the authorities, transport services will now be provided not by the Yerevan City Hall, but by the Multitransport company - at increased tariffs: 250 ($0.64) and 200 drams instead of the current 100 and 150 drams.