Activists call for student boycott over transport fare hikes

PanARMENIAN.Net - The "We Won't Pay" movement has called for a student boycott in response to increased public transportation fares, according to the organization’s statement.

"Dear students, the fight against fare hikes is gaining momentum. Thousands of public transport users are boycotting and refusing to pay the unjustified rates imposed on us.

On February 4, we are announcing a student-wide boycott. At 9:30 AM, we will gather near Yeritasardakan metro station and collectively refuse to pay these unfair fares.

We demand a 100-dram fare and significant discounts on ticket packages. We will not pay, period," the statement reads.

Since February 1, former Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan, the Mother Armenia city council group, and youth movements have been campaigning against the fare increase, urging people to pay only 100 drams.

The Yerevan City Council approved the new fare with 33 votes in favor, setting the price of a single ride at 150 drams starting February 1. Additionally, a unified ticketing system will be introduced. As a temporary measure, monthly, quarterly, and annual passes purchased between January 1 and February 28 will be valid for an extra 30 days.