Yerevan mayor says surge in cars requires urgent measures

Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan warned on Monday that the rapid growth in private cars in the capital is overwhelming city infrastructure and requires immediate action.

“Our problems are largely tied to the increase in passenger vehicles — even public transport issues stem from that,” Avinyan said during a city hall meeting. He noted that plans include introducing AI-powered traffic lights and prioritizing dedicated lanes for buses and other public transport.

Avinyan dismissed criticism that potential restrictions on cars would limit personal freedom. “That, to put it mildly, does not correspond to reality,” he said. Without new rules, he cautioned, the surge of vehicles entering central Yerevan will lead to gridlock so severe “no one will be able to move forward after leaving their yard.”

He emphasized that solutions must be practical and offer clear alternatives. “People should see that traveling by above-ground public transport in Yerevan is faster and more effective than using their own cars,” Avinyan said.