The public transportation system in Yerevan, Armenia consists of buses, minibuses, trolleybuses, and a metro. Different modes (buses, minibuses, trolleybuses) act as different networks.
Infrastructure
There are currently no stop announcements in buses, minibuses, or trolleybuses. The metro, however, has announcements in Armenian and English.[1] As of 2023, there are approximately 870 public transport stops in Yerevan. Around 390 of them have shelters, the others have only signs[2] and occasionally benches. There are currently is no route information or schedules at stops,[3] however, there are mobile apps with route information for each stop. At metro stations, however, signage is available in Armenian, English, and Russian.
There is a noticeable lack of separate bus lanes in the city. In total there are only two streets (Heratsi Str., Gai Ave.) with separated lanes for public transport, and sections of some streets usually in major junctions.
Zhongtong Buses and a GAZelle City minibus
Fares
As of 2023, the fare for one ride is 100AMD (around €0.25) on buses, minibuses, and metro.[4] For trolleybuses, the fare is 50AMD (around €0.12).[5] A trip to the airport on bus route number 100 costs 300AMD (around €0.75). A cash-less payment system is currently being developed, and QR-code payments are accepted in all minibuses, trolleybuses, metro stations, and buses operated by Yerevan Bus (MAN, ZhongTong, and Higer models). These QR-code tickets and be purchased either through the Telcell app (electronically) or through a Telcell terminal (on paper). Buses not operated by Yerevan Bus do not accept QR-code payment.[6] Payment by cash to driver is still accepted in all buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses. The metro also still sells tokens that can be used to pay for a ride.[7]
Schedules
The buses and minibuses operate from 07:00 to 23:00. Trolleybuses operate from 07:00 to 21:00.[8] The metro operates from 07:00 to 00:00, with extended night hours on some holidays.[9] The airport bus (route 100) operates 24 hours a day. Most routes with ZhongTong or MAN buses have live schedules on the Yandex Maps app. The individual vehicles can be seen live on the map, and their estimated arrival time is also displayed for each stop.[10]
Buses
MAN Lion's City 12G on line 1
Yerevan is served by 63 bus routes operated by "Yerevan Bus" CJSC and 12 other companies. Bus fleet vehicles include CNG-powered low-floor MAN Lion's City 12G 12-metre, 3-door buses, and 8.5-metre, 2-door Zhongtong LCK6860HGN. Older models include high-floor Higer, Hyundai County, and PAZ buses.[8] Free Wi-Fi connection is available on most ZhongTong and MAN buses.[11]
As of August 2023, all old GAZelle minibuses were replaced by buses or new low-floor GAZelle City minibuses.[4] The new minibuses are operated by "Yerevan Bus" CJSC. The network consists of 11 routes.[8]
LiAZ trolleybus on line 9Yutong trolleybus on line 10A
Yerevan has 5 trolleybus lines that use older, mostly high-floor LiAZ trolleybuses and new battery-extended, low-floor Yutong and Zhongtong trolleybuses. The new trolleybuses allowed the network to expand using the capability of travelling without contact wires.[12]
The Yerevan metro consists of 10 stations on 1 line and a branch. The trains used are modernized Metrovagonmash 81-717/81-714 models. Three of the ten stations are on-ground, while the rest are underground.[13] Stations are old (the newest one built in 1996) and do not have accessibility features. 4G mobile connection is available in the underground stations and in the trains.
Gallery
MAN bus on route 35
Marshal Baghramyan Bus Stop
Higer bus on route 45
Trolleybus and two buses on the Opera bus stop in Yerevan
