Vice Speaker of the National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan thanked citizens on his Facebook page for "participating in and supporting transport system reforms."

He noted that many avoided public transport because they did not want to travel crouched in Gazelle minibuses.

"I am convinced that such a high-quality and civilized transport system will also help ease city traffic in the future. Many people had previously refused to use public transport because they didn’t want to travel in cramped Gazelles."

Arshakyan also criticized passengers who refuse to pay fares under the influence of opposition groups close to Kocharyan, emphasizing that other passengers end up covering the cost. "Since the transport system belongs to the community and is funded by communal resources, everyone should contribute fairly," he stated.

He added that hundreds of thousands of Yerevan’s visitors and tourists will also benefit from this upgraded transport system, which will enhance the country’s image.

Since February 1, former Yerevan mayor Hayk Marutyan, the "Mother Armenia" faction of the city council, and youth movements have been protesting fare hikes, urging people to pay only 100 drams instead of the new fare.

The Yerevan City Council passed a decision with 33 votes in favor, setting the fare at 150 drams starting February 1. Additionally, a unified ticketing system will be introduced. Passes purchased between January 1 and February 28 for 30, 90, or 365 days will include an extra 30 days of validity.